Greek house residents responsible for damages

Fire sprinkler activated by playing catch with football

By: Matt Hopf / News Editor

Posted: 2/19/09

The residents that activated a fire sprinkler in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity house by playing catch with a football will be responsible for damages to the building caused by the sprinkler, said Mark Hudson, director of University Housing and Dining Services.

Hudson said all residents would be responsible for any damage to their personal property.

He did not know the cost of the damage to the building.

Eight building service workers were called in to extract water from the building as well as a plumber and electrician.

The residents playing catch were in the second floor hallway when they hit the fire sprinkler, Hudson said.

Twelve rooms within the building were damaged, including six on the first floor.

Hudson said all residents found their own accommodations after the building was closed. They moved back in on Wednesday.

"The fire system could not be reactivated," Hudson said.

This is the second incident Hudson recalled a similar event when a ball activated a fire sprinkler two or three years ago.

He said housing residents would be reminded not to play catch indoors.

Matt Hopf can be reached at 581-7942 or at mthopf@eiu.edu.