PFT Fire Leads to Temporary Relocation of Residents
Bowling Green, KY – A sudden grease fire that ignited in a kitchen on the 14th floor of Pearce Ford Tower (PFT) late last night resulted in the temporary relocation of 30 residents. The fire, reported at 10:45 p.m., activated the sprinkler systems, causing water damage to the rooms on the 14th floor and a few on the 12th floor.
Response to the Incident
The Housing and Residence Life (HRL) team reacted promptly, evacuating all residents of PFT by 11:00 p.m. By 12:45 a.m., the affected residents had gathered their necessary belongings and were temporarily relocated to Douglas Keen Hall (DK). At 2:15 a.m., PFT was reopened for all other residents.
Cleanup and Repair
The cleanup required after the extinguishment of the fire was initially estimated to take around three hours. However, by the following day, all of the temporarily displaced residents were able to return to their rooms in PFT. The university facilities team is currently assessing the water damage to the affected floors to execute necessary repairs.
Continuity Amidst the Crisis
A spokesperson from Western Kentucky University confirmed the details of the incident and assured that every measure was being taken to ensure the residents’ safety and comfort during the temporary displacement. The students affected by the incident were offered necessary support, including temporary accommodation and counseling services, if required.
Preventive Measures
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of practicing fire safety in residential buildings. Standard safety protocols, like not leaving cooking unattended and keeping flammable items away from heat sources, can prevent such incidents. Additionally, it underscores the necessity for proper maintenance and functioning of fire suppression systems like sprinklers in residential buildings.
Key Takeaways
While no significant injuries were reported from this incident, it acted as a wake-up call for both the residents and the university’s administration. For residents, it highlighted the need to be vigilant about fire safety in their day-to-day activities. For the administration, it confirmed the importance of emergency response protocols and the readiness of their teams to handle such situations, contributing to their ongoing efforts to create a safe and secure environment for all students.
