Fire extinguished at Sigma Chi
A window in the Sigma Chi Fraternity house caught on fire late Sunday night.
The Columbia Fire Department was called to the house around 8:41 p.m. to a commercial fire alarm call. Fire officials haven't determined the cause of the fire yet.
"It is just under investigation," CFD Battalion Chief Gary Warren said.
Warren said the department is investigating the cause, origin and other factors relating to the fire. Part of this investigation includes determining whether the fire was incendiary.
Warren said room 305 in the house was damaged around the windowsill and damage is estimated between $5,000 and $8,000. None of the other rooms in the house were damaged and no one was injured.
Three fire engines, a ladder, a squad truck and two chief officers responded to the scene, Division Chief Darrin Arends said.
Arends said this is typical procedure for a fire alarm call.
Sigma Chi President Dan Patterson declined to comment on the fire.
— Staff Writer Stephanie Clark contributed to this report.
Andrew Worrall/Senior Staff Photographer | An unidentified Columbia firefighter investigates a fire near a third floor of the Sigma Chi fraternity house Sunday night. The cause is still under investigation, but the fire is believed to have caused upwards of $5,000 in damage.
Esten Hurtle/Associate Editor | Sophomores Kevin and Colleen Hamilton watch as firefighter Brian Wattenbarger helps to put away a hose after the Sigma Chi fraternity house caught on fire on Sunday night. Kevin Hamilton is a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.