Published: October 09, 2008 09:59 pm      

Officials investigate fourth arson at EKU

$1,000 reward for arrest

Richmond firefighters responded to Eastern Kentucky University’s campus for the fourth time in three days to extinguish intentional fires that appear to be related but have not officially been linked.

A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the individual or individuals responsible for the fires.

The fire department responded Thursday to a call from Dupree Hall, which has been the location of two other fires this week. The third fire was at the Powell Building.

“This was reported at 1:58 this afternoon,” said Marc Whitt, EKU associate vice president for public relations and marketing. “Residents were safely evacuated and were back in the residence hall at 3:27 p.m.”

Even though the fire department has not determined the fires to be connected, “At this point, it does look to be similar in nature to the other fires,” Whitt said.

Thursday’s fire was reportedly caused by a 5-inch by 5-inch piece of crumpled up paper that was found smoldering at the base of the trash chute in Dupree Hall.

“Nothing else caught fire,” Whitt said.

EKU Police and the Richmond Fire Department responded immediately and the fires continue to be investigated, however there are no suspects or leads at the moment, Whitt said.

The first two fires occurred on Monday. Two-hundred students were evacuated from Dupree Hall and two staff members were injured.

The first fire began at 11:50 a.m. Monday when someone lit a roll of toilet paper and threw it down a trash chute in Dupree Hall, a 11-story dormitory, Whitt said.

EKU’s utility personnel extinguished the fire, but Richmond firefighters were called to make sure the fire was out.

Just two hours later, a 911 call was received again from Dupree Hall.

The Richmond Fire Department responded to the report of a pull station activation on the fifth floor, according to Corey Lewis, public relations officer for the city fire department.

“Upon arrival, Richmond firefighters were made aware of a possible rubbish fire,” Lewis said. “Richmond firefighters reported smoke conditions again on numerous floors. Debris was found burning in the stair well between the seventh and eighth floor.”

The source of the second arson attempt was found to be the result of ignited phone books in a stairwell of Dupree Hall.

Monday at 8 p.m., a third incident of arson was reported to have occurred in a stairwell of the Powell Building. Lewis said there was no damage or injuries.

“At no time were students in danger,” Whitt said. “Because of the quick response and training of the EKU police department and the Richmond Fire Department, and facilities personnel, each incident was quickly contained.”

Whitt said the university has an “excellent” fire sprinkler system, and “there is a sprinkler system in the trash chute area..”

EKU staff, residence hall workers and student leaders are meeting to discuss the incidents, Whitt said.

EKU police are patrolling the area frequently and EKU staff “are monitoring the building much more closely,” he said.

“The university takes this extremely serious. We just have no tolerance for this type of behavior,” Whitt said. “Hopefully now that a reward has been offered, someone will come forward with information.”

Anyone with information about these crimes can contact the EKU Police Department at Mattox Hall or by calling 622-2821.



Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 623-1669, Ext. 234.