Arson blamed for two fires at Northeastern University
Nicholas Cifuentes
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The Boston Fire Department tbhis week ruled that the fires that damaged two buildings at Northeastern University on Sunday were an act of arson.
"Both fires have been ruled as malicious," said David Pfeil, public information officer for the Boston Fire Department. "An arson investigation is underway."
Two buildings were damaged in two separate fires, one on the fourth floor of the Curry Student Center (CSC) just before noon on Sunday and another two hours later in Churchill Hall, two buildings over from the student center off Huntington Avenue. Pfeil said the CSC sustained fire damage in only one office, that of Sandra Miller, student media adviser, but heavy water damage affected neighboring offices on the fourth floor. In the Churchill Hall building, Pfeil said the fire was small and contained quickly with smoke billowing up to the top floors of the building, but the only damage was in a janitorial supply closet. No one was hurt in either incident.
"The student center has about $100,000 worth of damage," Pfeil said, "and the Churchill Hill building has only $10,000 in damages."
Pfeil said while the investigation is underway, he is not allowed to comment on any specifics about the case.
One student, Michael DeRamo was on the third floor of the student center working on a new website for the Student Government Association when he heard the fire alarm sound. He and a friend quickly exited the building, detecting the smell of smoke as they left.
"It was hard to miss the smell," DeRamo said. "I am worried since this is not the first time it's happened."
On April 2, a fire burned the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, causing $500,000 in damages. Laura Shea, university spokesperson said the April 2 fire was similar to this past Sunday's in the way it was in a somewhat isolated building and it being connected to the underground tunnel system.
"All three incidences have similar characteristics but we cannot say if they are connected," Shea said, "but we have increased security patrols and have all of our buildings being carefully watched."
Shea said the Northeastern police department is working closely with fire investigators to keep things running normally at the school.
"Despite the events of the past few days, everything is open as usual," Shea said.
Churchill Hall has been reopened, but the CSC has only limited access to the fourth floor due to water damage.