Small Fire In Westmont College Dorm Injures Student And Displaces Others

An official at Westmont College confirms a student worker suffered a burn injury Monday night while handling a stove used for camping.

Westmont College spokesman Scott Craig told NewsChannel 3 the gear is kept in a storage closet in Page Hall in the north, upper end of campus. It was unclear exactly what the student was doing with the camping gear when a small fire sparked.

Craig said the student suffered burns to both feet but was not aware how seriously.

Several fire agencies, including the Santa Barbara City and County Fire Department, Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District, and the Montecito Fire Protection District, evacuated the building and dozens of students in the top two floors after being dispatched to Westmont College at 6 p.m.

A number of students were displaced for at least one night due to the investigation and concerns about possible electrical problems.

With help from the local Red Cross, cots were placed in Murchison Gym for displaced students. Some students were welcomed to stay with other students and some faculty members.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.