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Grease fire blamed for Potsdam blaze that leaves over a dozen Clarkson residents displaced

Posted 3/29/17

POTSDAM — A grease fire was determined to be the cause of a Tuesday night blaze that left over a dozen Clarkson University students displaced. “It was an accidental fire due to cooking grease on …

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Grease fire blamed for Potsdam blaze that leaves over a dozen Clarkson residents displaced

Posted

POTSDAM — A grease fire was determined to be the cause of a Tuesday night blaze that left over a dozen Clarkson University students displaced.

“It was an accidental fire due to cooking grease on a stove,” according to Brian Sullivan, St. Lawrence County Fire Investigation Team chief.

The fire took place at Riverside Apartments, a four-unit building at Clarkson University, after flames leapt from the rear roof of the structure shortly before 7 p.m.

“There was extensive damage to the apartment where the fire originated,” Sullivan said. “There was heavy smoke and water damage to nearby apartments.”

Clarkson Avenue was closed to through traffic as firefighters battled flames and smoke in the two-story building. The apartment building, which houses upper-class students, is across the street from the home of Clarkson Pres. Tony Collins, who watched the event unfold from the sidewalk on Clarkson Avenue.

Firefighters used the ladder truck to pour water onto the roof. A front portion of the building was also extensively damage the front of the building.

Sullivan was not aware of any injuries. “All students were accounted for,” Sullivan said.

In addition to the Potsdam Volunteer Fire Department, the West Potsdam and Hannawa Falls fire departments responded to the scene. Also responding were the Potsdam Volunteer Rescue Squad, village police, St. Lawrence County sheriff’s deputies and Enbridge gas employees.

An automated fire alarm activated at 6:40 p.m. Riverside Apartment Building #1 and residents were evacuated safely, according to university officials.

Students were evacuated from not only the affected unit, but eventually all apartment units, as a safety precaution.

The 13 students who lived in the building will be housed for the night at the Clarkson Inn, university officials said. Permanent housing arrangements are being made for the students.

The other five four-apartment units were not heavily damaged and students started returning to them, upon permission from the fire department around 9:30 p.m., university officials said.