Sprinkler malfunction closes DuPage state's attorney's offices

The building housing the DuPage County state's attorney's offices was temporarily evacuated shortly before noon Wednesday and will remain closed for the rest of the day after sprinklers in an electrical room went off twice within a few minutes, knocking out power to the facility, authorities said.

State's Attorney Bob Berlin said the 503 building on the county government campus near County Farm and Manchester roads in Wheaton was operating on generator power early Wednesday afternoon, leaving most of the building with few lights and no computers. As a result, the offices will operate with only a skeleton crew for the rest of the day, he said.

Electricians were on the scene and Berlin said he expects the offices to be fully operational by Thursday morning.

The county courthouse also was evacuated briefly after lights began flashing and warning sirens sounded around 11:45 a.m., but people were allowed back in the building after just a few minutes.