This story will be updated as soon as more information comes out.
The Sigma Pi fraternity house, located at 218 W. Pine St. in Big Rapids, caught fire on Wednesday, June 5.
All occupants of the house, including the fraternity brothers’ pets, evacuated the building safely.
Secondary education major Victor Verhil, who was present at the time of the fire, recollected the events of the blaze.
“[It was] 7 [to] 7:30 in the morning. I was sleeping in my bed,” Verhil said. “My little smelled smoke or at least that’s what he said. All we hear is Mac, who is a very big guy and you could hear the fear in his voice just echo through the house, yelling ‘Fire! Fire! Get out of the house! Get out of the house now!'”
Verhil furthered his experience saying he’d “never forget” the feeling of the smoke hitting his face after he opened his door.
According to a release from the university, those affected by the fire are able to move into East Campus suites while also being provided with essentials.
“We care deeply about the safety of our students,” vice president for Student Affairs Jeanine Ward-Roof said in the release. “The important thing is that everyone is safe. We are working with the students to give them a place to stay and other things they will need.”
The Sigma Pi fraternity already had plans to move into a new house in the following month but may have access to the building sooner.
As of publishing, the overall cost of the damages to the house alongside what was lost is unknown.