While it is sad to see traditions of Fairfield University being lost, we must comment on the most recent actions taken by the school in regards to the locking of townhouse basements.
Living in the house where the infamous fire took place, we have certainly gotten a lot of heat regarding the issue.
While many of us were not personally involved in the occurrence, we, nonetheless, have been made part of the issue by association. We have had a great time in basements throughout our time at Fairfield and are certainly sad to see them go, but have a good understanding for the reasoning for which this is taking place.
As mentioned earlier, we were not involved with the fire itself. Around 5 a.m., we awoke to the fire alarm in a house filled with smoke. While some of us were able to extinguish the smoldering furniture, it was still pretty shocking considering we just woke up and could barely see anything through the smoke, having no idea why all of this was happening.
As the days went on, we learned that a cigarette caused the piece of furniture to smolder and fill the house with smoke. While we can definitely relate to some of the criticisms heard regarding the issue, such as “basements don’t cause fires, people cause fires,” it is important to take safety into account.
It is obvious that this fire was manmade. The University’s reaction in locking the basements is clearly in response to the potential danger that situations such as this one can have if given the chance to happen again.
We hate to see the basements go, but after being in this situation first hand, we can see the need for administration to act in order keep everyone safe.
Sincerely, Townhouse 74: Jeff Littell ’08 Kevin DelMuro ’08 Joey Scoff ’08 Todd Bingham ’08