UPD reported to the scene of a dumpster fire outside of Fargo Quadrangle at 3:30 a.m. Monday morning.
The cause of the fire is still being determined by the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), but “it appears to be accidental,” Josh Sticht, deputy chief of University Police, said in an email to The Spectrum.
The fire is estimated to have caused over $100,000 in damages to the building’s heating and electrical system and an additional $200,000 in other damages. Sticht said those cost estimates are subject to change as more information becomes available.
No injuries were reported.
This isn’t Ellicott’s first dumpster fire. A similar one was started near Wilkeson Quadrangle in September 2021.
The OFPC investigation will help UPD determine if there are workplace practices that need to be changed.
“Whatever recommendations they come up with will be implemented by the University,” Sticht said.
UPD advises students and staff to follow the rescue, act, contain and escape (RACE) emergency protocol when they observe a fire.
Victoria Hill is the senior news editor and can be reached at victoria.hill@ubspectrum.com
