A Sunday fire damaged Mississippi State University’ Oak Hall, a co-ed residence hall located on the south side of campus, and displaced almost 200 students.
No injuries were reported.
MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter said it appeared a candle’s open flame ignited the fire, which occurred on the structure’s third floor. Candle burning is a violation of MSU’s housing policy.
A fire alarm went off about 8 p.m., and first responders arrived at the scene no later than 8:07 p.m., Salter said. The building’s fire suppression system worked as expected and helped quickly contain the fire. However, it operated longer than expected, he said, causing water issues. Smoke damage was also reported from the incident.
Through its emergency website, university officials declared the fire contained at 8:33 p.m.
Administrators began working Sunday to find vacancies within the university’s own housing system for the 198 displaced female students, Salter said, and are expected to utilize other options as needed.
“We’re actively engaged in doing everything possible to help these students deal with this very stressful event,” said MSU President Mark Keenum in a release. “Our first responsibility is to help these students get safe, comfortable housing (Sunday night). Then, we want to quickly get them in more permanent housing until repairs can be made to the residence hall. We are also making academic allowances in the form of excused absences, if necessary, for impacted students.”
Oak Hall is a four-story, co-ed dorm. MSU’s housing website lists its occupancy at 382 people.
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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