After completing construction and renovations on Old Main, many thought the grand building to be fireproof. However, though its exterior was made of brick, the staircases and roof were made of wood. On the evening of March 22, 1910, just after the beginning of the 8 pm study hour, two boys discovered a fire on the fourth floor of Old Main. There was just enough time for the boys to alert their classmates—many just returning from trips to the post office or drug store–before the fire began to rage out of control.