UPDATE 12:49 p.m. Two trucks from Hertel’s Tank Service are pumping water out of the building tunnel, a process expected to take several hours.

UPDATE 12:45 p.m. Chartwells is removing food from the McMindes kitchen and transporting it to the student union as power to McMindes is shut off.

Hays firefighters are on the scene late Friday morning at McMindes residential hall on the campus of Fort Hays State University to determine the cause of smoke and water found in heating tunnels beneath the building.

Students and staff were evacuated from the resident hall.

They are investigating a possible electrical malfunction with a boiler and have temporarily shut off the building’s water supply and the kitchen gas supply.

Firefighters are checking the structure for hazards.

According FHSU officials at 2:30 p.m.,  no one is being allowed into the building. Officials did not yet know when residents will be allowed to return, but Student Affairs officials will keep the students informed by email.

Check back for updates on Hays Post.

Corrected 2:32 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, 2017.