Waite Park City Hall evacuated after smoke detected

The Waite Park Police Department area inside the City Hall was evacuated after an off-duty officer noticed smoke on Thursday.

According to a release, at 6:48 a.m., an off-duty officer noticed a haze of smoke and a smell of burnt wire or rubber inside the police department area of the City Hall. 

The Waite Park City Hall was cleared of all personnel and the fire department was called to the scene. 

The smoke was determined to be caused by a motor within the HVAC system "going bad," according to officials.

No injuries were reported, according to police. 

The Waite Park City Hall is closed to the public due to COVID-19, but until authorities find the exact source of the smoke to make repairs, the City Hall employees will be working at alternate locations. Employees will be able to return to work Friday morning.