WWC, Schafer Dorm Fire
A fire broke out early Sunday morning on 01/19/2003 at the Schafer dormitory at Warren Wilson College. 1 student was injured jumping from her window and all others escaped. The fire started after 2 students, who had been burning books and papers, discarded the ashes and material in a recycling bin and it smoldered until a fire developed and grew rapidly through the mostly wooden, unsprinklered building.
Some students were alerted by the fire alarm and others were alerted by others beating on the door and telling them "It was the real thing". Some narrowly escaped as 30-35mph winds spread the fire. Temperatures of mid 20's caused concern for shelter of fire victims and rehab of firefighters. (Graphic to the right shows general point of origin and area that fire had progressed to on arrival of the FD).
The fire has been listed as a 3 million dollar loss for structural, unknown amount for student's belongings. the commons area was saved with a defensive stance.
Diagram shows approximate area involved with fire on FD's arrival and area of origin.
Square feet involved on first arrival?
Estimated: 27,000
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