Westcott Fire

"…No one can say those students were acting for their own gain—only Florida State stood to gain. And Florida State did gain. The actions of her students were exemplary and an honor to her. They defy any politician to exploit them.” – Canter Brown, Student Body President

On April 27, a raging fire broke out on a top-floor office of Westcott.  In an unexpected moment of unity, students worked together to save priceless equipment, furniture, papers, and art from the building while firefighters doused the flames. Following the event, University President Marshall and Student Body President Canter Brown issued statements praising the students’ exceptional behavior and cooperation. Florida’s House and Senate also passed a joint resolution recognizing those who risked injury to help save irreplaceable objects.

The images below of students collaborating to save part of their university provide a stark contrast to the previous month’s turmoil that nearly tore the campus apart. Because of the presence of so many upset radicals on campus, many community members suspected that the fire was intentional. However, the most likely cause was an electrical malfunction. The Westcott fire remains a landmark event in FSU’s history. Its significance lies in the fact that, devastating as the fire was to the historic building, it unified the students, if only for a short time.

Climax of Chaos: 1969
Westcott Fire