The Hillsdale City Fire Department responded to a fire at the Sigma Chi fraternity house early Monday morning.
“I was on the top floor of the house around 12:30, and the fire alarm went off,” senior Tom Ohlgren said. “Sometimes, it just goes off, but it was real this time.”
Dean of Men Aaron Petersen was notified about the fire.
“I was called in the middle of the night, around 1:30, and was told that a small fire had broken out at Sig Chi,” Petersen said. “It was discovered quickly, and the response was quick.”
After the fire was quelled, house residents found other places to sleep for the night.
“We’ll be getting them back in there as soon as it’s safe,” Petersen said.
Hillsdale City Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Pauken said he was informed of the fire when the department responded to the call.
“They called me to let me know, but it was very minor, which was good. It could have been bad.”
Ohlgren said the fire was contained to the basement.
“Everyone reacted in a timely and professional manner,” he said. “I think the guys emptied two fire extinguishers. It was contained within the bottom floor and damaged some electrical work overhead.”
Pauken confirmed that the fire was started by a candle.
“Stop leaving candles unattended,” he said. “I know the school has policies about candle usage, and this is why. Usually, when someone enacts policies like that, it’s not to be a bully. It’s because there’s precedent for it.”
