“It really is quite sad that this assault on our fraternity has taken place, but hopefully it brings to light the need for heightened security throughout the East Lansing neighborhoods and MSU campus,” said Michael Lomonaco, a board member and Theta Chi alumnus, in a statement.

The alumni own and manage the property on 453 Abbot Road.

Firefighters responded to multiple fires at the house around 1 a.m.

The fire was contained to a basement storage room after an automatic sprinkler system at the house was activated.

Without the sprinkler system, the fire could have ended in tragedy, Pratt said.

“We dodged a bullet here,” Pratt said. “Had the building not been (protected by) sprinklers, there very easily could’ve been multiple deaths.”

The fraternity was holding a party at the house on 453 Abbot Road when the building caught on fire, Pratt said.

Three people were arrested Friday morning for crossing barricades firefighters set up, East Lansing police Capt. Kim Johnson said.

One member of the fraternity was arrested for minor in possession, Johnson said.

Numerous members of Theta Chi declined comment.

During the fire investigation, multiple smoke detectors were found with cut wires, and some completely were removed, Pratt said.

Tampering with fire protection devices is a criminal offense, and Pratt said he will issue citations to the fraternity.

Pratt also said several people refused to evacuate the building or could not because they were incapacitated.

Some occupants were so intoxicated they remained unconscious even as the fire alarms were sounding, he said.

Some of the sprinkler heads also had been covered up and used as clothing racks, Pratt said.

The property consistently passes a yearly inspection by city officials, Lomonaco said.

“Just like any other … rental property, we adhere to a rather vigorous inspection,” Lomonaco said.
The damage to the fire alarms is under investigation.

The exact cost of damage to the home has not yet been estimated but will be substantial because of water damage from the sprinkler system and damage from firemen breaking doors in their attempts to evacuate occupants, Pratt said.

No damage to the home was visible from the outside.

The 28 residents of Theta Chi fraternity house are required to stay with friends or find other sleeping arrangements during the investigation.

The water and smoke damage must first be cleaned before residents can return to the house, Pratt said.

Keep checking statenews.com for updates on this story.