Bluefield University experienced a fire in the residential facility Alumni Hall in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Initial reports indicated that the brick-and-block dormitory behind the Dome Gymnasium experienced an electrical fire. After contacting emergency services, campus safety officials responded to the incident and kept the fire at bay with extinguishers until first responders arrived to take over the scene.
The fire was contained to a single room. Once extinguished, power was shut off to the whole facility. Students were escorted to the building to retrieve essential items and are being housed in a local hotel facility at this time. Four students were treated for smoke inhalation during the event and were subsequently released requiring no further medical treatment.
“Our students’ well-being during this experience is our priority,” said President David Olive. “Our residence life team will be available to meet their needs throughout this situation.”
Once fire inspectors complete their reports, students with rooms not damaged will be moved back to the University facility while students with damaged rooms will be accommodated with new housing arrangements.
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