Ohio University responds for students after Sunday fire
Ohio University officials continue to assist and support students displaced and affected by a multiple structure fire that occurred early Sunday, Nov. 16 along Union Street in uptown Athens.
The Division of Student Affairs and staff from throughout the University are working to ensure that affected students’ immediate housing, academic and other needs are being met through the remainder of fall semester.
“Our thoughts go out to our students and all the members of our University and Athens communities affected by this incident,” said Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis, who issued a statement on the fire earlier in the day. “My deepest thanks are extended to the first responders, Athens city and county officials, the local Red Cross, area businesses and residents, and members of the Bobcat family who assisted and continue to assist our affected students.”
The fire was initially reported around 4:10 a.m. Sunday at a building on the north side of West Union Street between Congress and Court streets.
The flames spread to a total of five businesses, three of which house student rentals on their upper levels. Units from several area fire departments responded to the blaze, which was extinguished around 3 p.m.
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Athens police evacuated the north block of West Union Street between Congress and Court streets and the west side of Court Street between Union Street and the alley next to Chipotle.
Approximately 40 OHIO students are known to have been displaced by the fire, with students in surrounding buildings affected when utilities in the area were shut down to battle the blaze. A total of 10 people, including four Ohio University students, three firefighters and three police officers, were treated and released. There were no other reported injuries or fatalities.
The University-occupied building at 31 S. Court St. was not damaged by the fire but did experience a utility shut-off. Electricity to the building was restored around 4:30 p.m.
Shortly after 7 a.m. Sunday, OHIO’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) was activated to discuss support for students displaced and affected by the fire, including students’ housing and academic needs. Baker University Center was opened as a comfort center to handle students’ immediate needs, and bins were set up to accept donations of personal items and clothing.
Donated items will be available to affected students in Baker University Center 401, and donations are being accepted to the University’s Parents and Family Emergency Fund at www.ohio.edu/give (select OHIO Parents and Family Fund).
At 4 p.m. Sunday, officials from the Division of Student Affairs as well as representatives from Residential Housing, colleges and academic support units met with students affected by the fire and parents to address short-term needs and to answer questions.
Among the resources and assistance being provided to affected students are:
Walmart gift card
Bobcat Cash
A free OHIO 20-block meal plan
Short- and long-term housing options
Linen packets with comforters
Replacement OHIO ID cards free of charge from the Bobcat Depot and loaner computers
Temporary parking permits for parents on campus who are assisting their students
The Allen Student Help Center will be open as long as needed
Donated personal items and clothing
Assistance from the Southeastern Ohio chapter of the American Red Cross.
In addition, University Transportation and Parking will be providing shuttle service as needed to and from local hotels where students are being temporarily housed. That service will be provided from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, and Tuesday, Nov. 18, and can be requested by calling 740-593-1611 during those hours.
“We want our students affected by this incident to know that we are here to support and assist them through this difficult time,” said Jenny Hall-Jones, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “Bobcats are known for supporting one another, and I am truly overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I have seen today.”
The exact cause of the blaze remains undermined and is under investigation. Congress and Court streets have been reopened to traffic. Union Street remained close between Congress and Court streets. City officials will be evaluating the possibility of reopening the roadway by early Monday morning.
Additional updates on the situation will be posted to www.ohio.edu/alert.
For additional city information, visit ci.athens.oh.us.