NEW BRITAIN, Conn. — Students are safe to return to their residence hall Tuesday after a fire at a Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) residence hall, the university said.
Nearly 60 students were evacuated from the F. Don James Hall Monday night after a fire was reported shortly after 6 p.m. No one was hurt after multiple trained students pulled the fire alarms and alerted others in the residence to the situation, the university said.
"My friend who was there when it happened, she said that it was on fire. And you know, everyone's just kind of looking around and they've decided to pull the fire alarm," James Finley, a freshman, said.
The New Britain Fire Department arrived at the hall within two minutes after the fire was reported and extinguished the flames. According to the university, the building's sprinkler system helped to keep the fire under control.
Students were initially moved to the Memorial Hall and the Student Center as university administrators worked with the state and local fire marshal's office to relocate students to nearby hotels.
"We actually ended up going to the hotel for the night just because a room kind of smelled of smoke. And I don't know, I just didn't really feel comfortable staying the night," Sophia Rutkis, a freshman, said.
Residents of James Hall received complimentary laundry services, along with transportation services and food, the university said.
"We are providing free laundry service to anyone who wants it in case they want to get that smoky smell out of clothing or bedding or anything of that nature," Jodi Latina, Associate Vice President of Communication at CCSU said.
As of Tuesday afternoon, students were safe to return to the residence hall, according to the university.
The cause of the fire is currently being investigated as a result of "faulty mechanical electric equipment," the university said.
Damage was mainly found within the lobby from sprinkler water and charred debris, and a clean-up crew is working on repairs, which should be completed by the time students return from spring break coming up this weekend.
"All of our buildings are up to code. We invest in them all the time," Latina said. "We've looked into all the other spaces. They've been deemed safe."
In a message from the Office of the Provost, the university said that faculty and staff were encouraged "to be supportive of the displaced residents who might need extra time for assignments and other duties."
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