ASHLAND, Va. (WTVR) - The fire that burned the Theta Chi fraternity house at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland this week caused so much damage, investigators may never determine its cause.
"We know the area of the origin, which is the attic. We don't know the exact point of origin," said Hanover County Fire Battalion Chief Willie Jones. "We may not ever know what caused the fire due to the extensive fire damage to the joists and the roof."
All 14 students who lived in the house made it out alive, but lost almost everything they left behind inside the burning home.
"All their books, all their clothes, all their belongings are damaged from the water. None of it is salvageable," Jones said.
Since Wednesday's fire, RMC students have rallied together to support their classmates.
"We're just trying to make sure they have everything that they need to live off of for the next couple of weeks," said Randolph-Macon College student Brennan Smith.
Students set-up a table outside the dining hall to collect money, food and supplies for the Theta Chi fire victims. Other students are going to stores like Walmart and Target to buy items for their classmates.
"It's a small school, but it's moments like these where you see everyone cares about everyone on this campus, We all know each other. We're all there for each other," said Randolph-Macon college student Kaitlyn Dmytryszyn.
Battalion Chief Jones said we could learn more about the fire's cause if the insurance company decides to hire an investigator.
