Fire Marshal: Benedict dorm unsafe
Posted: 09.17.2009 at 5:12 PM

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A county fire marshal has ordered a South Carolina college to close a dorm because of unsafe conditions.

Multiple media outlets reported Wednesday that the Richland County fire marshal issued the order for a dorm at Benedict College in Columbia. The dorm is a renovated hotel that houses 251 students.

Benedict College trustee Steve Morrison issued a statement late Wednesday that said the dorm has working smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers with exit signs, a fire evacuation route and a fire watch patrol.

Morrison says county attorney Larry Smith is working to set up a meeting with the fire marshal to discuss the situation.

The county had issued a statement Wednesday saying the school had been ordered to take immediate steps to remove the students.

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