Spaulding Fire
The Spaulding Fire refers to a 2013 dormitory fire in Spaulding Quad Building 1 of the Ellicott Complex at the University at Buffalo. On the evening of May 2nd, 2013, a fire broke out after a student accidentally dropped a lit butane torch while using it to smoke marijuana. The incident led to an emergency evacuation of the dormitory and subsequent criminal charges against the student responsible.
Incident and Response
[edit | edit source]At approximately 6:17 PM Eastern Time on May 2nd, 2013, fire alarms sounded in the Spaulding Quadrangle (part of UB's Ellicott Complex on North Campus) as a fire broke out in a student's room on the fourth floor. UB police and local volunteer fire companies (including Getzville, Ellicott Creek, and North Bailey Fire Departments) responded quickly and evacuated students while they contained the blaze within 20 minutes.[1] The fire originated from a butane torch being used in the room - investigators determined the student, 19-year-old Alec Seidenberg, dropped the torch while attempting to light a marijuana cigar, igniting nearby materials. Both Seidenberg and his girlfriend sustained minor injuries and were treated at Erie County Medical Center before being released.[2]
Campus officials credited the dorm's fire safety systems and prompt emergency response for preventing a larger disaster. Firefighters confined the flames to the one room, and fire doors plus alarms operated properly to stop the spread of smoke and heat. By 9:28 PM that night, authorities reset the alarms and declared most of the building safe for re-entry. However, 19 students from the most affected floor were temporarily relocated - UB's Campus Living office arranged hotel accommodations and alternative housing for those displaced for the remainder of the semester.[2]
Aftermath
[edit | edit source]UB Police arrested Alec Seidenberg on charges including fourth-degree arson, reckless endangerment, and marijuana possession. He was issued an appearance ticket for Amherst Town Court, and UB initiated disciplinary proceedings consistent with its zero-tolerance policy for open flame and smoking devices in residence halls. The fire caused an estimated $250,000 in damages to the room and its contents (primarily from smoke, heat and water damage), though surrounding dorm rooms were unharmed.[2] No other residents were injured.