The second big dormitory fire this year gutted the living room of Eliot House B-12, December 20, resulting in extensive smoke and water damage throughout the suite.
Andrew R. Grainger '69, the only occupant present at the outbreak, said that a defective can of charcoal lighter fluid caused the blaze. "While I was cooking a steak, the can of fluid ignited at the side of the fireplace. The apparent cause was a vapor leak."
After an unsuccessful attempt to smother the flames with a pillow, Grainger kicked the can of fluid into the fireplace and rang the alarm. "I expected the can to explode with a sort of napalm effect," he said.
Two of the five occupants have been moved to the Eliot House Guest Room for an indefinite period. No other suite suffered more than minor smoke damage.
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