Fire in Lower Fulton Laundry Room

The Lower Fulton laundry room. Sam Murphy '24

Poughkeepsie Fire Department and Marist Security are investigating a fire that occurred in the Lower Fulton laundry room on Sept. 19. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still unknown. Marist security responded immediately, with firefighters arriving shortly after the call was made.

Prior to Monday's fire, there had been no issues with the laundry unit. Lola Piccolo '24, a resident of Lower Fulton, was one of the first eyewitnesses. "I was in my room when the alarms went off, and everyone had the assumption that it was another drill. Nobody I knew was hurt or had any of their clothes burned."

Expectations were that it was just another drill, as September is campus fire safety month. During the month of September, representatives from the Fairview FD and the Office of Safety & Security share fire safety tips. Marist enforces strict policies in dorm rooms as well, having unannounced inspections of rooms and common areas, as well as making clear to keep all room decorations to be at least 10 ft below the walls.  

Students standing outside Lower Fulton while Marist Security and firefighters respond to fire in laundry room. Jaytsia Merizalde '23

Following the days after the fire the Lower Fulton laundry unit was closed, forcing students to reside using other laundry units across campus. "I had to go to the Marketplace laundry unit, but my ID wouldn't swipe, so I had to wait for someone to open the door to use the washer and dryer", said Lower Fulton resident Adam Siemionkowicz '24. 

"It was definitely frustrating and very inconvenient, but at the same time grateful that Marist is immediately starting to fix the unit," added Siemionkowicz. 

While the units are now fixed, questions still remain as to whether this will happen again. "I think Marist should install new washers and dryers, and people should learn to clean out the lint before using them," said Piccolo.