Multiple Centre County fire companies responded to a fire at Penn State’s Alpha Zeta house Thursday afternoon.

Alpha Fire Company was dispatched at about 3:45 p.m. to the frat house located at 360 North Burrowes Road. Boalsburg, Pleasant Gap, and Undine fire companies were also dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was visible coming from the roof.

Boalsburg, Pleasant Gap, and Undine fire companies later also arrived on scene.

The house is located next to the Westgate building on campus and sits just a block away from Burrowes Road, where artist tents are set up for Central Pennsylvania of the Arts.

Penn State issued an alert at 4:12 p.m. instructing folks to avoid the area on N. Burrowes Road between Curtin Street and Pollock Road.

Smoke and fire could still be seen from the upper floor of the house as of 4:40 p.m. The smoke and smell of the fire wafted throughout Arts Fest.

First responders were unable to give more information.

North Burrowes Road is blocked off between Curtin and Pollock Roads, with the time of reopening unclear. Penn State urges folks to stay away from the area until the area is cleaned up.

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