Cambridge Fire Department crews responded to Kirkland House on Dunster Street in Cambridge shortly after 10:10 p.m. on October 25, 2026, after a steam valve released high‑pressure steam. The department oversaw the evacuation of the dormitory at about 10:50 p.m.
The valve began firing rapid jets of steam, producing loud banging noises and creating safety hazards that prompted the evacuation. This incident follows a similar steam‑valve problem at another Harvard dorm within the past two weeks.
Harvard University coordinated with the fire department during the response and ensured that residents were moved to safety while the situation was addressed.