Fire Damages Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity
All residents of Washington and Lee University’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity house were safely evacuated this morning (Thursday, March 12) when a pre-dawn fire caused major damage to the building at 201 East Washington Street in Lexington.
The house was occupied by 17 students and a house director. One resident was transported to Stonewall Jackson Hospital, where he was treated for smoke inhalation and released.
The fire reportedly began at approximately 4:15 a.m. and was brought under control at about 5:30 a.m. According to fire department officials, both the fire alarm and sprinkler systems worked, and much of the damage to the house will be from the water from the sprinklers. The fraternity members had participated in a regularly scheduled fire drill earlier in the week. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
University officials have arranged for the students to relocated to the Kappa Sigma fraternity house. In addition, arrangements are also being made for the residents to take their meals in the University’s dining center.
