An intense fire broke out Wednesday night at the Arthur Vick 1 block on the University of Warwick campus in Coventry. Thankfully, students were quickly evacuated from the path of danger, keeping them out of harm’s way. The incident occurred around 20:40 GMT, prompting a swift response from emergency services.
More than 40 firefighters from the West Midlands Fire Service were sent to the scene in an effort to contain the fire. The fire originated in a steampot in the kitchen on the second floor of the three-storey structure. Eight fire companies were called in to battle the blaze and get it under control. In addition, two fire engines remained on scene for 24 hours to monitor the aftermath. The final crew departed at 07:15 GMT the following morning.
Witnesses said that there were about 40 to 50 people inside when the fire started. Robert Ward, a student who witnessed the event, observed that the roof of the building was ablaze upon his arrival.
“At one point… some of the roof [was] collapsing on itself.” – Robert Ward
The result of that fire was very serious indeed – two flats almost totally destroyed, and significantly damaged smoke-logged to varying extents other homes.
One of the students on the scene, Andrew Dawkins, recalled a very different scene that day.
“Everyone didn’t really know what to do, we were just kind of standing around watching.” – Andrew Dawkins
A representative from the West Midlands Fire Service emphasized the importance of kitchen safety:
“You don’t get distracted when you’re cooking… take pans off the heat, or turn the heat down, if you need to leave the kitchen.” – West Midlands Fire Service
The university has yet to issue a detailed public account of the blunder. Students expressed relief on their major campus that no one was hurt. Firefighters remain on the scene damping down hot spots.
