At around 10:45 p.m. Tuesday, a minor fire ignited at the Loft on the Walker Building’s first floor. Officials have reported no injuries. 

According to those in the area, fire alarms were first heard around 10:45 p.m. in the Walker Building, which was evacuated. Approximately seven fire trucks were on the scene. Firefighters could be seen breaking the glass of the Loft’s window displays and using a water hose to extinguish the small flames. 

District Fire Chief Matthew Kenneally said that the destruction of part of the display window by responders was to “not let it extend” beyond the initial location.

According to responding firefighters, a Walker Building security guard was the first to raise the alarm after spotting the flame outside the building. 

Kenneally, who was on the scene, estimated the damage to the building to be around $100,000, which would be paid for by the school’s insurance. 

Officials closed down Boylston Street until around 11:30 p.m. The fire department told Beacon reporters on the scene that the cause may be the result of a lit cigarette, although it is not yet confirmed.

“We have our arsenal investigation, we have our investigators and cameras. They’ll make their best determination [of] what caused it,” Kenneally said in an interview with The Beacon.

A video verified by The Beacon shows a sliver of a flame in the corner of one of the Loft’s windows, which was later broken in by first responders. The area outside the Loft is a frequent smoking location for students and pedestrians. 

Kenneally said that a large response from the fire department was a precautionary measure to ensure the fire did not spread to nearby buildings.

“It’s important we get the largest response quickly,” he said. “Because of the size of the dorms here, we sent a full high-rise response.” 

This is a developing story and will be updated.