Fire Forces Evacuation of Georgetown University Dormitory in District of Columbia

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Investigators said a candle burning too close to curtains caused a fire inside a Georgetown University dormitory early Tuesday.

More than 250 students were evacuated before dawn from the Village C dormitory, an eight-story building on the Northwest Washington campus.

District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department spokesman Alan Etter said the woman living in the room where the fire broke out saw what happened, but then went to a neighbor's room. Etter said it was several minutes before 911 was called, creating a ``situation that was potentially devastating.'' But smoke alarms worked, and firefighters were able to tackle the flames.

After about 90 minutes, most of the students were allowed to return.