A small grease fire at a downtown fraternity prompted a quick response from a local fire company, although the fire was extinguished before their arrival.

The Alpha Fire Co. was called to the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, 508 Locust Lane, just after 7 p.m. Saturday in response to a fire alarm from the building. The fire was out before the company arrived, the State College Police Department said.

An investigation found that a pan of oil used for cooking was on the stove and the burner was left on. While fraternity members were eating dinner, one member entered the kitchen and observed the fire.

After calling 911, he placed the burning pan in the sink and turned on the water. Once the water mixed with the burning oil, the fire "flashed up the wall and rolled across the ceiling," activating the two sprinkler heads closest to the fire and the building fire alarm system, according to a press release.

One fraternity member was treated for smoke inhalation. Damage to the kitchen was minimal, and the house remained occupied, according to a press release.

Yesterday's fire was the second minor fire involving a fraternity this semester. Members of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity were evacuated for a few hours in January after a futon sitting against a heater caught on fire, according to The Daily Collegian archives.

In 2003, the State College Borough Council passed an ordinance requiring the installation of sprinkler systems in all fraternity houses before Sept. 1, 2008. Thirty-three of the 48 fraternity houses currently have sprinklers installed, and the remaining houses are scheduled for installation this summer, according to the press release.

Members of Delta Sigma Phi were unavailable for comment as of press time yesterday.