Smoking has been identified as the cause of last month's fire in the Quadrangle that left one student on medical leave and a dormitory in need of major repairs, Philadelphia Fire Department officials said.
The Dec. 10 fire in 107 McIlhenny in Riepe College House originated under the resident's -- Wharton junior Vivek Patel -- bed.
Riepe Dean Marilynne Diggs-Thompson said the Office of Student Conduct is investigating the incident. Patel could face disciplinary action since smoking in on-campus housing is a violation of College House residential policy.
Patel is currently on medical leave from the University. He spent three nights in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after the incident and was treated for smoke inhalation.
While at home in Rhode Island, Patel is receiving medical treatment for asthma worsened by smoke inhalation, although he said that he is doing well and focusing on getting better.
"Smoking in my room was probably the worst decision I have ever made," he said. "I ... regret putting my life and the lives of others in danger."
Patel said that he learned from one of the doctors in the hospital that smoking interacts with his sleeping medication, which most likely caused him to fall asleep and remain sleeping while the fire grew in his room.
The fire was confined to the bed area -- where there were combustible items -- by the activation of the sprinkler system, which extinguished the blaze.
"I am extremely lucky that I woke up when I did and that I was able to make it out. I owe my life to Penn's sprinkler system and to the fact that I woke up when I did," he said.
Patel's room, which suffered significant water damage due to the activation of the sprinklers, was completely rebuilt over winter break. There was also water damage in the neighboring rooms, including in the music room underneath Patel's. Repairs are ongoing.
Patel has not been back to his dorm room since the night of the fire.
The fire was "clearly a traumatic experience," he said.
Diggs-Thompson was not on campus at the time of the fire but returned at 2 a.m. the next morning.
"Our primary concern was the health and safety of the residents and of Vivek Patel. That does not preclude ... disciplinary action," she said.
Patel, who escaped the fire by jumping out of his first floor window, said that nearly all of his possessions -- including his computer and clothing -- were lost in the fire. He was in pants and a T-shirt when he escaped and received a small bag of possessions -- including his wallet and some change -- at the hospital.
"I haven't been back to collect anything because there's nothing to collect ... Everything was destroyed," Patel said.
He added that he was appreciative of the support of his hallmates and the residential staff of Riepe who were with him in the hospital.
"They were with me around the clock," Patel said. "I was never alone."
Patel looks forward to coming back to Penn, though he is not yet sure where he will be living.
"I miss Penn a lot," he said, "I miss being there ... I am definitely going to visit this semester."
