ASHLAND, Va. (WTVR)--The Randolph-Macon community is rallying around 14 college students who lost their fraternity home in a fire early Wednesday morning.
Hanover County and Ashland fire crews responded around 1 a.m. to the blaze at the Theta Chi fraternity house on College Avenue.
The twelve students were inside the home at the time of the fire, safely evacuated. Students were also evacuated from the Thomas Branch Residence Hall, Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority House and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity House as a precautionary measure.
One student was treated for smoke inhalation and was released on the scene.
Fire investigators, who are still looking into a cause of blaze, said it took a little over an hour to bring the flames under control. They also said the home had working smoke detectors.
Several fraternity and sorority members are now collecting clothes, school supplies and non-perishables to help the 14 students who were displaced by the fire.
“You can’t stand to see them get hurt,” student Justin Baellow said. “I’ve spoken to all of the guys and they are all extremely grateful to be alive and extremely grateful for everything we’re doing.”
Although the Theta Chi fraternity house is not owned by Randolph-Macon, the college is working with the House Corporation Advisor for Theta Chi to help students with temporary housing and other immediate needs.
A collective fund has also been established at the R-MC bookstore for the students to purchase necessary textbooks, notebooks and other supplies.
If you are interested, please log onto www.rmc.edu/givenow and be sure to note Theta Chi Relief as the designation.
