When reports of a fire in Allston came to the Boston University community’s attention, many were shocked at the tragic fire’s ferocity. As the story unfolded, it became increasingly obvious that this was a serious event, which resulted in serious injuries and complete devastation of the house’s interior. According to a Jan. 24 article in The Boston Globe, the fire not only caused serious damage to the residence on 84 Linden St., but cracked windows and melted vinyl of houses nearby. Two students are reportedly still hospitalized; a total of seven students were reported injured. One student was in a serious condition after he jumped out of the third floor window onto the street below.
The residents of 84 Linden Street are members of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity on campus. Just like any victims of a devastating fire, they were unsure what the next step would be toward finding somewhere to live, resuming school, and trying to piece together their everyday lives after the awful event. The BU student body and administration have both risen to the challenge and offered their support swiftly to those affected. According to an article published yesterday in The Daily Free Press, fraternities plan to meet today to coordinate a collective relief effort. Concurrently, the Panhellenic Council is hosting a bake sale in the George Sherman Union to aid the effort further.
Dean of Students Dean Elmore has also ensured those affected have on-campus housing until the situation is resolved. As an added gesture of support, he has offered to provide textbooks, supplies and general necessities the residents lost in the disaster. This overwhelming surge of support is a glowing instance of community and compassion exhibited by administration and students.
The circumstances in which this community spirit came about are incredibly unfortunate, but the university’s efforts to aid the residents in any way possible offers uplifting comfort to the residents and their families. The fact that the Dean of Students is taking such a hands-on approach to offering his support is admirable and illustrates the exceptional relationship between the office and student life.
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