WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) -- Two College of William and Mary dorms were damaged, one severely, in a fire Tuesday afternoon.
WWBT-TV in Richmond reported that no one was injured in the blaze, which happened just after 1 p.m. at Preston and Giles halls. More than 140 students were evacuated from the two dorms.
The fire left gaping holes in the third-floor ceiling of Preston Hall and completely destroyed its roof. Nearby Giles Hall was damaged by smoke and water, said Bill Walker, a college spokesman.
Housekeepers in Preston Hall reportedly saw smoke and went from room to room telling students to evacuate when alarms did not sound. Students say alarms later rang after everyone was outside.
Residents are being housed at the Governor's Inn. And although the students lost most of their belongings, including notes to study for finals this week, the tests will continue as scheduled.
Preston and Giles halls are language immersion residence, where students study and speak Japanese, Chinese and Arabic.
The cause of the fire is not known.
