University of Kentucky Closes Frat House After Fire Prank

University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd Jr. says the university followed its fire marshal’s recommendation in closing the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house until 2011.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reported the closure and the UK chapter’s suspension by the national SAE organization came after a member was wrapped in toilet paper, which was set on fire.

Court documents showed 19-year-old fraternity member Sean P. Dunn of Hebron is charged with first-degree arson, first-degree wanton endangerment and evidence tampering.

The documents show the member was engulfed in flames up his shoulders in the prank early Saturday and dropped to the floor to roll and put out the flames, setting the carpeting on fire.

Todd said it was the most “notable” Greek house closure during his eight years as president of UK. He described Sigma Alpha Epsilon as “a pretty well-known” house on campus.