Dec. 11--A fire that broke out in an elevator shaft of a Radford University dormitory on Monday is being investigated as a potential case of arson, according to a university spokesman.
Joe Carpenter said the cause of the blaze is unexplained at this time but is being investigated as a potential arson "out of an abundance of caution" and in an effort to rule out all other causes.
Carpenter said the fire alarm in Muse Hall sounded at 3:22 p.m. Fire and smoke were reported in the building's east wing elevator.
Radford University police arrived on scene at 3:25 p.m., followed by crews from the city fire department, Carpenter said. The fire was contained to the elevator and quickly extinguished. No one was injured.
The entire building was evacuated, which amounted to 869 students, Carpenter has said. They were allowed back inside about 4:20 p.m.
The 13-floor high rise is the largest residence hall on campus, but the elevator shaft in the east wing extends just a few stories.
An assessment is still in progress, and the cost of the damage has not been determined, Carpenter said.
Members of the campus community with any information regarding Monday's fire are being asked to contact the Radford University Police Department at 831-5500.
-- Melissa Powell
Copyright 2013 - The Roanoke Times, Va.
