Mont Kitchens Closed Due to Fire Safety Violations

By Amit Rauniyar~ Multimedia Editor

Sarah Capps, area coordinator for Hundley, Montgomery, and Tate Halls. Photo by Amit 

Rauniyar.

The kitchens in Montgomery Hall at the University of Lynchburg were closed on Wednesday, November 6, due to serious fire safety violations, including tampering with fire alarms and unattended cooking appliances. A notice from Area Coordinator Sarah Capps informed residents of the closure, emphasizing the safety risks associated with the misuse of kitchen facilities. The closure, slated for a two-week reassessment, impacts students who rely on these spaces daily.

According to Capps, the closure follows the discovery of hazardous practices, including stoves left on with plastic items on top that could easily melt and ignite. Additionally, Capps noted that smoke detectors in four out of the five kitchens were covered with plastic bags, rendering them ineffective in detecting fire or smoke. “This is a violation of both school policies and Virginia state laws,” she explained, warning that a potential inspection by the fire marshal could result in severe consequences for the residence hall, possibly even a prolonged closure.

As a further measure, the lounge area on the first floor of Montgomery Hall, which shares access with the kitchen, has also been locked temporarily. Students were notified to retrieve any personal belongings from the kitchens before the closure to ensure a smooth and safe cleaning process. During the closure, students can access kitchen facilities in nearby residence halls until Montgomery Hall’s kitchens are expected to reopen shortly before Thanksgiving break.

Capps has also addressed specific safety concerns in light of these recent incidents. She believes the smoke detectors may have been covered to prevent frequent fire alarms caused by high-heat cooking, such as frying, which generates excessive smoke. While smoking or vaping could also contribute to this issue, she emphasized that these are less likely causes in this case. Capps added that any future instances of covering smoke detectors would lead to strict enforcement, as the university views tampering with fire safety equipment as a serious violation.

Bag over Smoke Detectors, Photographed By Sarah Capps

Moving forward, the university is implementing new precautions to prevent similar incidents. Capps announced plans to install security cameras in the kitchens and to hold mandatory safety meetings with residents led by Community Assistants (CAs), who will review fire safety protocols. “Tampering with fire safety is a serious offense,” Capps warned, noting that individuals found responsible for future violations may face conduct reviews, fines, and other disciplinary measures.

Students have expressed mixed reactions to the temporary closure. Grace Thapa, a first-year student, said, “It’s very difficult for me when the kitchen is closed because I need to make coffee and have hot water to drink.” Another student, Binisha Bisural, acknowledged, “It’s difficult, but I can adjust and use another hall kitchen.”

With these new precautions, the administration hopes to enhance fire safety awareness and encourage students to prioritize the well-being of all residents in Montgomery Hall.