A fire tore through University Court, a privately owned, off-campus apartment complex on Thursday, Dec. 23, per the West Chester Borough Fire and Police Departments, as well as communique from West Chester University Vice President for Student Affairs, Zebulun R. Davenport.
University Court, at 746 South Franklin Street in West Chester, began reporting the fire at around 3 a.m. Thursday morning. Due to the university being on winter break, the complex was largely empty of residents, both student and non-student. Davenport reported that, of the student residents who did remain in the building, “they all got out safely and have made temporary housing arrangements.”
The fire only burned for just upwards of three hours, the fire department reports, and was completely under control after the evacuation of the five residents who still remained. As a response, West Chester University is pairing with the WCU foundation to raise money for the students who are now being sheltered in on-campus housing for the time being. Those who wish to help can send donations to https://go.wcufoundation.org/donate and enter “My gift is in response to ‘Off-campus fire relief effort”’. Similarly, if you or someone you know was affected by the fire, please reach out via email to housing@wcupa.edu if you are in traditional housing, leasing@ushcommunities.org if you are in affiliated housing, or through the property manager if you are of those who resided in University Court, as they are currently working to relocate those affected by the catastrophe.
Matthew Shimkonis is a third-year History major. MS925373@wcupa.edu