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QaR
October 2009 
walking by the ruins
quietlaughter
Today there was an enormous fire in the town I live in. Alma College, once an all girls' school, with a rich history, burned practically to the ground. I was sent some photos - the fire overwhelming and frightening. When I came home from work, I went to the ruins. I wanted to see for myself what was left. The ruins were still smouldering. It was overwhelming just to walk near it (of course there was no way to get very close, because the area was cordoned off by the police). The story behind why, how the fire started isn't known yet. I think what has shaken me most, other than the ferocity of the flames and the devastation left behind - is that this college is in a residential area. So many people were suddenly (possibly recklessly) in danger. Terrible.
I don't have the words to say more about it - just shaken and in shock.
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yes, this kind of event can be devastating. so sorry for your suffering
Away from the loss and danger factor I kind of get a sense of awe over this. The building is in kin to an old castle or grand church… very historical. I might have to do a drive by to check this place out. Those are some really good pictures of the event.
I'm presuming nobody was hurt, and hopefully it wasn't arson involved.
Thanks for filling me in!
Yes, sad loss for the community - however even in ruins it is still a beautiful building… no one was hurt, but arson is definitely suspected. There is an investigation underway.
Thanks Nicole :-)
Thanks Seth - try to go if you can. It's an impressive sight, even just as a skeleton. I didn't take the photo of the building on fire, but the ones after the fire was put out are mine. I walked around the perimeter of the entire college taking shots… you can see more here:
alma college fire
still is hard to believe it is gone.
Oh wow a lot more pictures, thanks!
I hear they already took a wrecking ball to the remains. That was quick. I also heard two young boys age 15 and 16 were arrested in connection to it. Something to do with playing with matches and things getting out of hand… indeed a shame for everyone affected.
You're welcome :-) yes, that is what I heard too - I feel badly for the boys. I can't imagine that they wanted that to happen - they were lucky no one was hurt. They had to take the wrecking ball to it yesterday because the building remains were just too dangerous for the investigators to continue to work. It was quick. I am glad that I was able to go take photos when I did…
definitely a shame for everyone…