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Boston College Police are investigating three small fires that were apparently set in Gasson and Stokes halls last Saturday evening. No one was injured, but the North wing of the fourth floor of Stokes Hall sustained smoke and water damage caused by the fire and the activated sprinkler system.
Administrators from Facilities Management said that several offices in the North wing will be closed for repairs this week as a result of the damage, and that classes held in the two classrooms on the fourth floor will be relocated to Carney Hall. Staff and several firms that specialize in fire clean-up are working to restore the offices.
Boston College Police Chief and Director of Public Safety John King described the fires as suspicious in nature and asked members of the BC community to provide BCPD with any information they may have. The cause of the fires remains under investigation.
Vice President for Facilities Daniel Bourque said that while most of the clean-up effort on the fourth floor of the North wing of Stokes Hall has been completed, some areas affected by the sprinkler water will require additional work.
“It is important to stress, however, that the building is safe to occupy during this clean-up period,” Bourque said.
Bourque said his office has worked with College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences Dean David Quigley to assist faculty and staff affected by the fire and helped coordinate temporary assignments.
“We are working hard to return operations to normal as soon as possible, but we ask for the community’s patience and assistance as we deal with this clean-up process,” said Bourque.