Every available Firefighter with the Ruston Fire Department is on
scene putting out hot-spots in the smoking ruin of what was the Pi Kappa
Alpha fraternity house.
At least three
firefighters have been taken to North Louisiana Medical Center for
injuries and heat exhaustion as crews continue to battle the fire that
began around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, according to Ruston Police.
Lt.
Tim Parker, spokesman for the Ruston Police Department, said the fire
began in the fireplace or chimney of the Pike house, and quickly reached
the attic where it grew rapidly.
He
said one firefighter was injured when the roof of the building
collapsed, knocking down a flight of stairs the man was standing on. He
was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Two other firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion, Parker said.
Parker
said officers with the Ruston police managed to awaken and evacuate one
student who was still asleep in the apartments at the back of the
fraternity home at the time of the fire. All six students who lived in
the house were evacuated safely with no reported injuries, according to
Parker.
The college is assisting the students in finding
other living arrangements, said Guerin. He said Louisiana Tech officials
will inspect the dormitory that is located just to the west of the
burned house to ensure it was not damaged and is safe for students to
occupy.
Parker said the blaze caused the collapse of the
roof, which sent a plume of fire and smoke into the air, and caused some
area residents to believe an explosion rocked the house when it was
simply the collapsing structure.
He said the fire completely decimated the frat home, and left nothing but a smoking husk.
