Cause of fire under investigation

The cause of a major fire at the College Road apartments on Princeton's campus on Thursday, Jan. 10, is under investigation by the Princeton Fire Department. There were no injuries.

Residents of that University-owned faculty-staff residence have been provided with alternate accommodations by the University's housing department, pending cleanup and continued investigation.

The fire began on the second floor of one of the two-story units across from McCarter Theatre and spread to a neighboring unit. An assessment is being made of smoke and water damage to the other 11 units of the complex, which was built in 1922.

An estimated 13 fire companies responded to the fire, which was reported shortly before 2:30 p.m. Most of the 34 residents were not home at the time; the rest were immediately evacuated. Pets were safely rescued.

Representatives of the University's administration, housing department, and Counseling and Psychological Services as well as the American Red Cross were on the scene to assist residents.

Roads that were closed because of the fire were re-opened by 6 p.m., except for College Road between University Place and Alexander Street.

The Princeton Fire Department is leading the investigation with the cooperation of the University's Department of Public Safety. 

The University's facilities department is providing updated information for affected residents on its website.