Hendrick House residents have been cleared to return after a strong smell of smoke was reported coming from an elevator.

Urbana fire crews responded to the private residence hall, located at 904 W. Green St., Urbana, shortly after 9 a.m. Friday after students initially reported a potential fire. However, the Urbana Fire Department, along with help from the Champaign Fire Department, has determined that an overheated motor above an elevator in the east building was the cause.

After the initial response, Urbana’s commander declared it a “working fire” minutes later as a safety precaution. Additional help was then called from Champaign as the source of the smoke was not immediately identified.

“It took some time because we had to check the floors,” said Urbana Lt. Brian Houska. “(But), once we got everyone on the scene, we followed standard protocol (of trying to identify the source.)”

Meanwhile, residents were evacuated to lounges in Illinois Street Residence Halls, many of them still in their sleepwear. This incident was not related to the de facto holiday, Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day.

Becky Rowe, general manager of the residence, said students responded quickly and went right to the reported location.

“We want to thank the University Housing officials and facilities that assisted,” she said.

Just over an hour later, firefighters had cleared the scene.