Tagged: SUNY Oneonta

ONEONTA, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a fire that displaced nearly 180 students living in a State University at Oneonta dormitory was sparked by the improper use of a power strip.

SUNY Oneonta officials say Thursday the fire started around 4 p.m. Wednesday because of the improper use of an electrical power strip in a bedroom in a third-floor suite in Matteson Hall.

Officials say the 177 residents of the dorm all got out safely from the four-story building. The fire was under control in less than an hour.