Esther used to be an R.A. (Resident Assistant) in Nation Hall. I was shocked to read this:

Three fires have been set in Nation Hall in the last several weeks, university police report.

Most of the fires were extinguished soon after they were started.

The fires have been on the dormitory’s third floor, fourth floor and basement. Campus police do not suspect a resident of Nation Hall. Butch Herring, director of Police and Parking Services, says such incidents, including acts of vandalism and setting of fire alarms, tend to be caused by visitors.

“Usually, the residents tend to take care of their halls,” Herring said. “It’s normally been a visitor to someone in that hall.”

Herring says the person or persons caught for setting the fires could be charged with aggravated arson, which is a felony. They could be fined $1,000 and could be sentenced to jail if convicted. In addition, if they are Pitt State students they would likely face expulsion.

“It’s unusual that they come in groups like this,” Herring said. “We’ve never had three in three weeks.”

The fire in the basement was found by nursing freshman Kayla Moyer, who blew out the fire soon after it started.

“You could tell it just started,” Moyer said.

Aaron Cadman, director of Nation Hall, says that he is unaware of any specific evidence that would incriminate anyone.

“If they do live on campus and were charged with the fires, chances are they would be kicked out of housing,” Cadman said.

Damn arsonists!