Simple explanation

It turns out the events from my past two blog entries are related:

The fire alarm this afternoon was the result of a release of steam not a fire or electrical problem. Technicians investigating the report that the building was too warm opened the space where the humidifiers are located. The humidifiers appeared be at maximum (steam) output probably due to defective controls. The outpouring of steam "triggered" the fire alarm.

The HVAC technicians seem to have the situation under control and expect to have the system back to full functionality this afternoon.