A suspicious fire occurred at the college at approximately 12:29 a.m. today at the north exterior side of Emerson Hall. The Office of Public Safety is investigating to determine the exact cause of the fire.   

The fire was lit in a 55-gallon garbage bin outside Emerson Hall. The fire destroyed the bin, as well as the bin’s lid and all of its contents.

A similar incident took place at approximately 4:15 a,m. Monday at roughly the same location outside Emerson Hall. Public Safety is working with the Ithaca Fire Department to determine whether the two incidents are linked.

As of now, the fire is being classified as arson.  

A public safety alert was sent out to all individuals on the college mailing list today, but no further developments have been made since, said Sergeant Tom Dunn.

“It’s an ongoing investigation and we are looking for assistance from the public to come forward with any information that anybody might have,” Dunn said.

Public Safety urges students or faculty to call 274-3333 or leave an anonymous voice mail message at 607-274-1060 with any information.