McMaster: Brandon Hall Fire

thistleclub · #1 Posted **Oct 18, 2008, 1:07 PM**

This could've gone way worse.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Firefighters Respond to Fire at McMaster University

HAMILTON, ON - October 18, 2008 - At 3:55am this morning, Hamilton firefighters responded to a structure fire at Brandon Hall, a student residence building on campus at McMaster University.

Firefighters arriving on the scene discovered a well involved fire in one of the buildings elevator cars which had also extended into the second floor corridor. Firefighters worked quickly to contain and extinguish the fire while assisting residents in the building with evacuation and dealing with smoke removal from the upper floors.

Brandon Hall is an eleven storey student residence building containing approximately 362 student rooms and occupied by approximately 580 residents. It is estimated that there were approximately 200-300 students in the building at the time of the fire.

Three residents of the building suffered smoke inhalation and were transported by Hamilton Paramedics to hospital where they are being treated. Damage to the elevator car and second floor corridor is extensive and at this time the cause of the fire is undetermined. The Ontario Fire Marshal's Office has been contacted and an Investigator will be attending the scene later this morning.

McMaster University staff is working to assist students that have been displaced as the result of this fire.

thistleclub · #2 Posted **Nov 22, 2008, 6:12 PM**

http://thespec.com/News/Local/article/470709

Residence reopening in January Students keen to return
Jackson Hayes
The Hamilton Spectator
(Nov 22, 2008)

The saga of Brandon Hall's displaced students is nearly over as officials announced yesterday all residents will be returning in the new year.

McMaster University spokesperson Andrea Farquhar said there is a great sense of relief the school's largest residence will open again.

"It has been a huge effort by a lot of people," she said, adding crews have replaced sections of carpet, painted walls and cleaned every room top to bottom.

Curtains and mattresses have also been replaced.

Students were notified yesterday via e-mail about the move, which will occur over the winter break.

Farquhar said students living in hotel rooms throughout the city can pack their belongings after exams and everything will be waiting for them in their old rooms on campus come Jan. 4.

"We didn't want to interrupt the exam schedule," she said. "As they finish their exams, they can pack up and their stuff will be taken care of."

Nearly 600 students had been in residential limbo after a fire set in an elevator shortly before 4 a.m. on Oct. 18 sent four students to hospital with smoke inhalation.

There was heavy damage to electrical and elevator systems which forced the closure of the building and left Mac scrambling to find alternative living arrangements for the students.

Most were placed in a number of downtown hotel rooms rented by the university.

Some students found other accommodation.

Hamilton police arrested Brandon Hall resident Emerson Pardoe, 19, early this month and charged him with arson.

City building officials said the building could open when one elevator was fixed. Farquhar said much of the repair effort concentrated on getting one of the three custom elevators working.

Brandon Hall resident Kevin MacDonald said he was "very happy" about being able to return for the new semester.

He lived on the third floor of Brandon Hall but has called a room at the Staybridge Suites on Market Street home for the last month. The social science student said the hotel experience was fun but he is looking forward to the massive party when everyone returns.

Mac hasn't put a price tag on the repairs but Farquhar said insurance is expected to cover most of the costs.

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More at http://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/story.cfm?id=5714

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From the Move-Back to Campus FAQs:

When do I have to move-out of the Hotel?
Your room in the hotel is reserved until 12:00 noon the day after your last exam in December. The details about your specific move-out date will be emailed to you. The hotel will also be notified of your move-out date.