An early morning fire at Daum Residence Hall on the University of Iowa campus prompted the evacuation of approximately 50 students on Thursday. Officials confirmed that the fire was contained to a single, unoccupied room thanks to the building's sprinkler system, and no injuries were reported.
The incident, which occurred at 3:30 a.m., resulted in significant water damage to the first and second floors of the building. While the blaze itself was small, the response from emergency services and the activation of the fire suppression system led to a temporary displacement for dozens of residents.
Key Takeaways
- A fire was reported at 3:30 a.m. Thursday in Daum Residence Hall at the University of Iowa.
- The fire was contained to one unoccupied room by the building's sprinkler system.
- Approximately 50 students were evacuated, with no injuries reported.
- Water damage from the sprinklers affected the first and second floors of the residence hall.
- All students, except those in the fire-damaged unit, were able to return to their rooms by Thursday morning.
Early Morning Alert on Campus
The Iowa City Fire Department was dispatched to the Daum Residence Hall on North Clinton Street following an alarm at 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 6. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that a small fire had started inside a student room that was unoccupied at the time.
Many of the building's residents had already begun evacuating before emergency crews arrived on the scene, following university safety protocols. The quick response from students helped ensure a safe and orderly evacuation process in the pre-dawn hours.
The Importance of Campus Fire Safety
University residence halls are equipped with fire suppression systems like sprinklers and alarms designed for rapid response. These systems are critical in preventing the spread of fire in densely populated buildings, often containing a blaze to its point of origin before firefighters even arrive. Regular fire drills and safety awareness campaigns are standard practice to prepare students for such events.
Sprinkler System Averts Disaster
Fire officials credited the building's automated sprinkler system with preventing a much larger incident. The system activated as designed, extinguishing the flames and confining the fire damage to the single room where it originated. This immediate action was crucial in protecting the rest of the multi-story residence hall.
However, the activation of the sprinkler system resulted in a secondary problem: water damage. Water from the sprinklers affected both the first and second floors of Daum Hall, requiring extensive cleanup and assessment by university facilities management.
- 1 fire, contained to a single room.
- 50 students temporarily evacuated.
- 2 floors affected by water damage.
- 0 injuries reported during the incident.
Student Displacement and Return
Approximately 50 students were impacted by the evacuation. University officials and emergency personnel worked to ensure all residents were accounted for and safe. The students were temporarily housed in alternative locations while crews assessed the building's condition.
By late Thursday morning, the university confirmed that the building was safe for re-entry. All evacuated students were permitted to return to their rooms, with the exception of the residents of the single unit where the fire occurred. Arrangements are being made for those students while their room undergoes repairs.
The quick resolution allowed for minimal disruption to student schedules, although the early morning alarm and evacuation served as a stark reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness.
A Coordinated Multi-Agency Response
The successful management of the incident was the result of a coordinated effort among several local and university agencies. The Iowa City Fire Department led the primary response to extinguish the fire and secure the scene.
They were supported by a network of other essential services, including:
- University of Iowa Police: Assisted with the evacuation and secured the perimeter of the building.
- Johnson County Joint Emergency Communications Center: Coordinated the dispatch and communication between all responding units.
- University of Iowa Facilities Management: Immediately began assessing and addressing the water damage to restore the building to normal operation.
- Johnson County Ambulance Service: Was on standby at the scene as a precautionary measure, though no medical assistance was ultimately required.
This collaborative approach ensured that the situation was handled efficiently, prioritizing student safety above all else. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.