9/26/12 - 5:00 a.m.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 26, a fire was reported at the Theta Chi Fraternity House on College Avenue at Randolph-Macon College. All students in the house were safely evacuated. One student was treated for a smoke inhalation-related issue and was released on the scene.
Emergency personnel from Ashland and Hanover County responded quickly to the scene to extinguish the fire and are currently working to assess property damage. The Randolph-Macon Emergency Response Team convened immediately and began working with students to address issues related to their safety. The R-MC Student Emergency Medical Services team was also dispatched to assist students.
In addition to the Theta Chi house, students were also evacuated from Thomas Branch Residence Hall, Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority House, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity House as a precautionary measure. All students, except for residents of Theta Chi, were cleared to return to their rooms at approximately 3:30 a.m.
R-MC president Robert R. Lindgren said, “Our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of our students displaced by the fire. We are relieved that there were no injuries that resulted. As always, we are grateful to the first responders in the Town of Ashland and Hanover County who do such tremendous work for our campus and community.”
Although the Theta Chi Fraternity House is not owned by Randolph-Macon, the college is working with the House Corporation Advisor for Theta Chi to address future needs of the students. Randolph-Macon counselors will also be available for any student who requires assistance.
Parents or students with questions should contact R-MC’s Dean of Students office at (804) 752-7266. This line is intended for students and their parents only.
The College is grateful to members of the Randolph-Macon Community who have expressed a desire in helping defray the cost of replacement books and other supplies for the displaced students. If you are interested, please log onto
www.rmc.edu/givenow and be sure to note
Theta Chi Relief as the designation.
All media calls should be directed to Anne Marie Lauranzon, (804) 752-7317; cell (804) 837-9891;
alauranz@rmc.edu or Pamela Harris Cox, (804) 752-3712; cell (804) 937-7936;
pamelacox@rmc.edu.