Kitchen Fire Displaces 3 Students From Quinnipiac Housing Complex

HAMDEN, CT — Three students were displaced from a residential apartment following a kitchen fire at the Whitney Village Quinnipiac University student housing complex on Tuesday evening. No injuries were reported, according to fire officials.

Hamden firefighters responded to the housing complex, located at 3075 Whitney Avenue, at about 6:25 p.m. on April 18. The first notification call to Hamden Central Communications came from the Quinnipiac security office. (To sign up for Hamden breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

Students were already evacuating the building into the parking area when crews arrived on the scene, according to Deputy Fire Chief Gary Merwede. Firefighters reported that light smoke was showing in the interior hallways and stairwell leading to the second-floor apartment.

“Captain Ed Evers reported a sprinkler activation in the kitchen of apartment six,” Merwede said in a press release. “Hamden firefighters confirmed the fire had been extinguished and checked for extension into the walls and attic area. Salvage work to contain the damage from water run-off and ventilation of the building followed.

“Quinnipiac security and maintenance personnel were on scene to assist students. In all, three students in three residential apartment were displaced due to water damage. All were successfully relocated by the university.”

There were no injuries reported and Hamden Fire Marshal Brian Dolan determined the fire ignited as a student resident was cooking on the stove top. The student attempted to control the fire with a hand held extinguisher, but was unsuccessful.

The resident in the apartment notified the building Resident Assistant (RA) of the fire, who in-turn notified Quinnipiac security and fire department, and assisted with the safe evacuation of students, according to Merwede.

“Residential sprinkler systems, such as the one in place at this location, are an effective means of fire control and help to minimize structural damage,” Merwede said. “When combined with an audible and monitored alarm system, residents have timely notification of incipient fires and a greater chance of safe building evacuation. The Hamden Fire Marshal’s office and the Quinnipiac Safety Department work together in an on-going basis to maintain and inspect these important systems.”

Photos via the Hamden Fire Department