[exlurker]

Fire at the Theta Chi house in San Luis Obispo: no injuries, thank heaven; damages estimated at $100,000.

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2010/03...-house-in.html

Excerpt from report:
. . . Anika Dunkell, 24, of San Luis Obispo said it appeared as though a large barbecue was left unattended on the porch.

“Just flames everywhere,” said Dunkell, who was walking on Upham in front of the house when she saw the flames. Soon after, a can of paint thinner left outside exploded, she said.

The fire then spread, outside, to the home’s second floor, she added. That’s when the smoke detectors went off.

. . . Fire investigators said Friday that products used to finish the surface of a bar the fraternity members had recently built had been improperly disposed of and sparked the fire.
Mark Bright, 53, a Theta Chi alumnus . . ., said that 600 men have lived in the house since it was acquired by the fraternity.

The house is insured, he added.

As of 1:30 p.m., fire crews were inside the house to confirm no one else was inside. A fire investigator estimated the damage at $60,000 to the structure and $40,000 for contents. . . .