Royal Purple

Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Brandon Gorman Ten members of the TKE fraternity were displaced when a fire engulfed the building at 1238 W. Main St. at approximately 2:50 a.m. Monday morning. The exact cause of the fire is undetermined but it is believed to be accidental.

Ten members of Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) were left homeless when flames tore through their fraternity house early Monday morning.

According to university police, five residents were inside the house at 1238 W. Main St. when the fire broke out at approximately 2:50 a.m. Monday. Junior Josh Drew was treated for smoke inhalation and a cut to the hand, but no other injuries were reported.

Korey Smith, TKE member, said this isn't the first time the fire alarm has gone off in the house, and usually they just ignore it.

"Most of us, when we hear it go off, don't do anything, we just sleep through it," Smith said. "But this time we actually heard someone pounding on the door, screaming something, saying something."

The fire is still under investigation, but preliminary reports indicate that it was accidental. Damage to the residence is estimated at $300,000.

Dean of Students Tisa Mason said the university has helped all TKE members find temporary housing. According to the Whitewater Police Department, the Whitewater Emergency Management director is working with the Red Cross to support the efforts by the university to assist those students impacted by the fire.

"We will provide whatever support is necessary to assist the members of the Tau Kappa Epsilon house," Interim Chancellor Richard Telfer said.

Fundraising efforts have already begun to help assist the TKE members. Alpha Sigma will be selling ribbons and t-shirts from 1-3 p.m. today and next Wednesday in the lobbies of Drumlin and Esker halls.

This is the second time a fire has broken out at the TKE house. In 1996, the upper level of the house caught fire, destroying several bedrooms and killing the house dog.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools