Sector A is basically two independent buildings that occupy the northern area of the archaeological site. The one closest to the visitor is conventionally known as the East Building and has been seriously damaged because of the stream that used to flow through it. The ground floor covers an area of 100 square meters (1076 square feet) and has three rooms that contained large storage jars. The base of a column that supported the ceiling survives in the center of the largest room, as well as a hearth. Next to the hearth was a small stone basin that may have held water in case someone wanted to put out the fire. This feature is common in Akrotiri and implies a collective decision to prevent accidental conflagrations.