Classes were disrupted at the University of Sheffield as students and staff were asked to leave the Sir Robert Hadfield building after reports a fire had broken out.
Several fire engines from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue were seen outside the building on Portobello Street.
Crowds of students and staff who had been in the building gathered nearby on the corner of Mappin Street as they waited to find out whether it was a false alarm and could be allowed back into the building.
Fire engines were seen with blue lights and sirens on Mappin Street heading to the scene.
A member of university staff, who did not want to be named, but was helping keep people away from the building said: “The situation is not that severe. Luckily we were able to evacuate the premises in time.”
Lily Lilian, 21, a student studying architecture, who was waiting near the building for her lesson to start, said: “The university staff had swiftly taken control of the situation before any mishaps could have taken place.”
“You couldn’t see any smoke present in the air but the stench of fire smoke became quite evident as time passed,” said Andreas Petedris, 29, a Philosophy student who was passing by the scene.
“I feel like wherever I go these days in Sheffield, somewhere or something is always on fire here,” said 20-year-old Betty Robins, another student who was evacuated from the Sir Robert Hadfield building and a resident of IQ Brocco Sheffield student accommodation which she explained was attended by the fire service recently.
With the Easter break approaching there was a mixed reaction to the situation from students; some appeared stressed about their lectures being cancelled due to the potential fire while others expressed relief.
“I have a pile of assessments to complete before the break ends and my basics are still not clear. I was hoping to get it cleared today but then this happens,” said one student standing outside the building.
“It will be exam period soon and I don’t know how I will catch up to the lost work,” said Sociology student Marty, 23.
“That’s one way to end a semester” added 22-year-old engineering student Nayte Summers.
ShefNews approached South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for comment but at the time of publication it was unknown whether there was a fire or not.