Southeast building closed until mid-August after fire

Dempster Hall at Southeast Missouri State University will remain closed through mid-August following a fire that broke out Monday on its roof.

According to a news release issued by Southeast, university officials met with structural engineers, insurance adjusters and representatives of a cleanup firm Wednesday and learned that Dempster's central atrium and parts of the building's south wing have roof-decking damage. There also is extensive water damage on the second floor of the south wing along with significant smoke damage that will require new partial roofing, carpet and paint.

Offices previously in Dempster have been temporarily relocated across campus. The president's and provost's offices, along with the office of vice president for finance and administration, now are operating in Kent Library. They had been temporarily housed in Dempster while Academic Hall is being renovated.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, pending a report from the state fire marshal, the release said.

Southeast spokeswoman Ann Hayes said the roof on Dempster was being replaced, and work had been ongoing since about mid-June.

Pertinent address:

814 N. Henderson Ave., Cape Girardeau, MO