A fire broke out in Upper Daniell Heights building 2109 just after 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10. The fire forced over a dozen students to evacuate and permanently displaced residents of 2109. The adjacent building 2107 sustained only smoke damage but must be deep cleaned before residents can return.
Building 2109 has been deemed unlivable, and around 15 students have been permanently rehoused on campus. The students of 2107 have been relocated to temporary housing while the building is deep-cleaned. Residents of the less-affected apartments were later allowed to retrieve some of their belongings.
The cause of the fire remains unknown; initial reports indicate it likely started near a stove. Firefighters extinguished the fire before it spread, limiting the impact on surrounding buildings. No one was injured in the fire.
In an interview with Carter Steggerda, a second year student and resident of 2107, described being awoken by the commotion of police and public safety officers conducting an evacuation. He has since been relocated to a completely unfurnished building within Daniell Heights.
As of Jan. 16, “I emailed and called, but they have no new information,” Steggerda said when asked how long he and other 2107 residents would remain displaced. “They said they’ll get back to me when they do.” Thanks to support from the community and university, the fire has not significantly impacted his mental or emotional health, academic performance, or ability to attend classes.
