A birthday cake left on the second floor of the Becker Communication Studies Building triggered a heavy response from the Iowa City Fire Department on Wednesday.

The cake allegedly belonged to Sarah Nebel, 26, a graduate teaching assistant in communications studies.

The fire department sent two engines, a ladder truck, and a battalion chief in response to an automatic fire alarm. All occupants reportedly evacuated the building upon hearing the alarm.

Firefighters allegedly found light smoke from a birthday cake on the second floor that activated the smoke detector.

Once officials determined a cause, they turned the building over to the UI police and UI Facilities Management.

— by Jordan Fries