Emergency personnel dispatched to Golden Bear Village South

A hot oil spill brings firefighters, police officers, and ambulances to Kutztown

By Gina Glantz

Firefighters, ambulances, and police officers arrived at Golden Bear Village South on August 27, 2024, after a fire alarm went off. 

According to Fire Alerts of Berks County, a student spilled hot oil in a room in Building 50. KU command reported that the oil caused a kitchen fire, but it was contained in the kitchen. Upon entering, firefighters spotted no flames but noted that the room was filled with smoke. No significant damage occurred to Building 50. 

There were no reports of any injuries.

Several firetrucks and an ambulance parked near Building 10 of Golden Bear Village South. Fire Alerts of Berks County mentioned that all trucks were dispatched, except truck 46.

Several students living in GBVS stood outside Building 10, staring at the emergency personnel’s lights and the multiple firefighters going in and out of Building 50.

Mallory Johnson, who witnessed the event, said, “I was watching a movie when my roommate came to me and asked what the loud noise was. Apparently, she heard the firetruck sirens. We looked out our living room window and saw several trucks driving to GBVS. We went outside and saw at least 4 fire trucks, and more were parked in another lot opposite to us.”

After approximately 15 minutes, the ambulance left empty and several firetrucks departed as well. A woman, who spoke to a police officer, announced that everything was fine. 

The students who witnessed the event returned to their buildings.