Fire alarm pulled at Santa Clara University Malley Center after smoke smell

On Friday afternoon, student staff at Santa Clara University's Malley Center pulled the fire alarm after noticing smoke and hearing unusual sounds around 3:55 p.m., according to The Santa Clara.

All students inside the building were evacuated outdoors as the Santa Clara Fire Department arrived to investigate. The fire crews checked the scene and deemed the area safe shortly after.

Janice DeMonsi, director of recreation at the university, praised the student staff for their quick response, noting this was the first time the building was cleared for an actual incident rather than a drill.

One student described the experience, saying the hallway was filled with a strange burning smell before evacuation. Staff and students were allowed back inside the building around 4:15 and 4:20 p.m. respectively.

Campus Safety did not provide a comment, and the cause of the smoke has not been confirmed. The Santa Clara said they will update the story as more information becomes available.