Today, University Housing officials plan to investigate an incident that occurred in Metcalf dormitory last Thursday evening just before 10.
First-year Architecture student Beth Hughes said she witnessed a small fire near her room's power allocator. Hughes said she and her roommate promptly called their resident advisor, who then pulled a fire alarm.
According to Hughes, the fire went out by itself after about 10 to 15 seconds, leaving only a "horrible burnt plastic smell." First-year Metcalf resident Judy Tat also described a "large circle of burnt wall" in the area.
University authorities are actively investigating the reported incident and hope to determine the cause of the problem as soon as possible, University Bookstore Executive Director Jon Kates said. He added that "it's not clear [what] is at fault" and said any assumptions should be avoided until the investigation is complete and the cause is determined.
According to Hughes, a University fire marshal removed the power allocator from the outlet. Kates said Housing officials will examine the receptacle tomorrow morning.
--compiled by Ayn Wisler
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