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Central Connecticut State University is helping students displaced by a fire on the first floor of F. Don James Hall that ignited shortly after 6 p.m. on March 4.
Students were evacuated, and the New Britain Fire Department arrived on the scene within two minutes of receiving a call to extinguish the fire. The building’s sprinkler system kept the fire under control, and several students used their training and pulled the fire alarms to help alert resident students and staff to the situation.
No students were injured, but nearly 60 students were displaced from their rooms. The university has arranged temporary housing at a local hotel and complimentary laundry services for the affected students in James Hall. Students also have received transportation services and food. As of this afternoon, all students are back in the residence hall, which has been deemed safe to stay in by authorities.
The Office of the Provost Message encouraged faculty and staff to be supportive of the displaced students who might need extra time for assignments and other duties. Students may also reach out to the residence hall assistants and director at James Hall for assistance.
Fire officials are centering their investigation on faulty mechanical electric equipment. The lobby sustained the most damage from sprinkler water and charred debris. Contractors are working around the clock to get the space fixed by the end of the week.
President Zulma R. Toro was on the scene last night and this morning to assess the damage.
“The university is grateful everyone is safe,” she said. “The students did exactly what they should in a situation like this and we are working on making them comfortable in a new space.”
Spring break begins on Saturday.