BOSTON — Nearly a dozen dormitory rooms are still closed off to Boston University students after a fire forced three dorms to evacuate Saturday night.
The fire during move-in weekend forced the evacuation of nearly 80 students.
Boston Fire officials say the fire broke out at about 10 p.m. Saturday night and was contained to one room on the third floor of the building on Commonwealth Avenue.
A number of students who were set to live in these dorms but had not yet arrived on campus told Boston 25 News they were worried after they got a text alert about the active fire.
The fire caused approx 200,000 in damages. The building suffered water damage and had to be shut down. The @BU_Tweets will provide housing for the approx 40 residents. The FIU is investigating the cause of the fire. pic.twitter.com/PkvnDS2SUC
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) September 2, 2018
The fire set off the sprinkler system in the building and led to water and smoke damage on the first three floors estimated at $200,000.
Fire officials say one student was treated for a minor burn to her leg.
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BREAKING: @BostonFire confirms cause of fire in #BU dorm was a candle. More on fire at 6:30 on @boston25 pic.twitter.com/v1CqGz4V1r
— Jim Morelli (@MorelliJim) September 2, 2018
The school says its residence life staff is working with the displaced students to find them places to stay. Some students are staying in hotel rooms temporarily.
Fire officials say a candle is to blame for the fire. Fire officials say a candle is to blame for the fire. Candles -- including unlit ones -- are prohibited at BU residence halls.
Boston University says it plans to send a reminder to students that candles are prohibited in dorms.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Cox Media Group
