Acoustics laboratory fire at the University of Sydney

In October 2005, the University of Sydney’s Acoustic Research Laboratory experienced a fire, which destroyed much of the facility through smoke and heat damage. This paper tells the story of the fire and its consequences. While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, it seems likely that it started in the lighting system of the anechoic room. The presence of some flammable material in the room, the high degree of thermal insulation, and a compressed air supply to the room established the fire in that room, with hot smoke filling the rest of the laboratory. Laboratory restoration is a slow process, and we report on how teaching and research has been affected. We also describe the features of the restored laboratory, including architectural modifications and a systems-based approach to equipment.