U of Florida: Chi Omega House Fire -- No injuries reported
 

All were evacuated safely, thank goodness.

"Gainesville Fire Rescue Lt. Keith Saunders congratulated the sorority on the quick evacuation, adding that “everyone took the alarm seriously.”

http://www.gainesville.com/article/2...-house-members

Glad to hear all the UF Chi O's are safe! Scary stuff when the fire alarm itself is what causes the fire.

Letter from Chi Omega National President in 2007
 

Dear Sisters,

At the recent National House Corporation Summit, an announcement was made that Chi Omega will join other Greeks in the movement to install sprinklers for safer housing. The Governing Council is requiring all Chi Omega owned facilities without sprinklers to install fire suppression systems by September 1, 2011.

Our records indicate that there are 66 chapters in need of sprinklers. Details about funding assistance from the Fraternity will be distributed to House Corporations in the months ahead.

Why are we mandating sprinklers? To save lives. Since January 2000, 113 campus-related fire deaths have been identified across the nation. In fact, the 2006-2007 academic year was the most fatal one on record with 20 fire deaths, two of those in fraternity fires. According to reports, the most common factor among these fires is the lack of an automatic fire sprinkler system.

We realize that this is a costly endeavor. As noted, the Fraternity is willing to provide funding assistance. Safety remains our priority, however, and we must ensure that we have taken every precautionary measure to save lives. One life lost to fire is one too many.

Some of you have already installed sprinklers to comply with university mandates and city ordinances. You can be wonderful resources to others who might need assistance with the installation.

If you have questions about this endeavor, please contact Carol Miraglia, director of business operations, at the Chi Omega Executive Headquarters.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Loyally yours,
Jean Mrasek, S.H.