February 24, 1998

Leslie Hitchcock, News Editor

A fire broke out on the third floor of East Residence Hall Sunday afternoon between 3:30 and 4 p.m.

The fire started in Room 358 as a result of an illegal appliance in the students room.
 
"The fire was caused by a propane cooking stove similar to a camping stove," said Director of Housing Brad Reid.

Reid said that the fire and smoke damage was limited to one room.

"We offered the residents other accomodations, but they said that they could stay with friends," Reid said.

According to Reid, the Department of Housing cannot begin to restore the room until an ongoing investigation by the Boone Fire Department is completed.

"We are not allowed to disturb the articles in the room until the investigation is finished," said Reid.

After the investigation is completed, the Department of Housing will have to replace the floor tiling, repaint the entire room, replace the light fixture and possibly replace the wiring, Reid said.

Since the fire was ignited by contraband equipment, Reid declined to comment on the status of the student's responsibility in the fire.

According to Reid, that will be discussed in a meeting with Vice Chancellor for Student Development Gregory S. Blimling.

East Residence Assistants were notified of the fire quickly, said residence educational specialist Sumit Ghose.

"A student noticed smoke coming out of room 358 and notified the resident assistant," said Ghose.

According to Ghose, the Watauga County Police and Fire Departments responded to the call quickly and therefore controlled the fire with ease.

The university will carry no liability from the fire, said Ghose.

 No additional water damage occured to the building, said Ghose.

 "A little water leaked, but nothing serious happened to the other floors," Ghose said.

Additional information about the fire will be disclosed as it is released.

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