Two universities grieved the loss of seven students who died in a North Carolina beach house fire last Sunday.
A Clemson University student and six University of South Carolina students were killed in the fire on Ocean Isle Beach. Six USC students were able to get out of the house; they were treated and released from a nearby hospital.
The Clemson student killed in the fire was Emily Yelton of Greenville, S.C. The other students from USC killed in the fire were Travis Cale, Justin Anderson, Lauren Mahon, Cassidy Pendley, William Rhea and Allison Walden. Yelton and Cale were boyfriend and girlfriend.
The North Carolina Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the case.
According to CNN, fire officials believe the fire started on a deck at the back of the house, but officials believe no foul play was involved.
Arrangements were made at USC for students to go home or stay out of school at the 28,000 student campus.
The students from USC were affiliated with Delta Delta Delta sorority and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
William Cherry, a senior in building science and the Eminent Archon, president, of Auburn’s chapter of SAE, said they are holding a bowling tournament tonight in memory of the three fraternity brothers killed in the fire.
“We are putting out a banner at the front of our drive to ask other people on campus to help us pray for them and their chapter,” Cherry said. “We are obviously very upset about this tragedy and are praying for the victims and their families. Flowers and condolences have also been sent.”
Josh Bell, student body president at Clemson, said they hosted a prayer vigil in memory of those who lost their lives in the fire.
“We just want everyone to be able to come together during this difficult time,” Bell said. “Everyone is shocked, but this will only make us stronger as a university.”
Bell added they have reached out to USC leaders to collaborate in any possible way to help the victims and their families.
Terry Walker, chief of training and fire investigator for the City of Auburn, gave several tips on how to stay safe when using fire or heat related objects.
“They are saying that this North Carolina fire started on a back deck, possibly,” Walker said. “People should be careful when using wooden decks to grill because hot ash and hot coals can cause fires.”
Walker said people need to have operational smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
“If someone hears an alarm go off in their apartment, house or dorm, they need to take it very seriously,” he said.
Walker added people should have their heating systems cleaned out and checked by a licensed electrician and give space heaters plenty of space to heat the air and do not put it near walls, furniture or beds.
