By: Julia Mericle
News Assignment Editor
University Safety and Security officers evacuated the residents of Shay Hall and Loughlen Hall at 11:23 p.m. on Monday, Apr. 17. The evacuation was due to a fire inside a microwave on second floor of Loughlen.
According to Ralph Aloia, St. Bonaventure’s fire and life safety officer, a resident assistant reported the fire to Safety and Security at the same time smoke set off the alarm system.
Since no one was present at the time of combustion, the cause of the incident is classified as unknown. However, Aloia said grease-saturated papers found in the microwave led Safety and Security to believe a food item had been left unattended on a high setting.
“This is usually a common occurrence with popcorn more than anything else,” Aloia said.
Alexis Young, a sophomore sports studies major and resident of Shay Hall, was just stepping out of the shower when the alarm went off. She said the evacuation was an inconvenience for students who were trying to study, shower or sleep.
The building was evacuated within five minutes and all students were able to reenter the building in less than 30 minutes, Aloia said.
The only damage was to the microwave, estimated at $45 and $60 to replace, Aloia said. The fire extinguisher used will also cost $45 to replace.
“Considering loss of sleep for students, the volunteer fire department response and equipment, their families loss of sleep and putting themselves at risk for the community, the costs end up being much more than just money when all is considered,” Aloia said.
Aloia said every occurance of this nature is avoidable.
