Fire Damages West Entrance Kiosk, Arson Suspected

To: UCSC Community

From: UCSC Public Affairs

A fire inside the kiosk at the campus's West Entrance early Sunday morning was contained to that single structure. Investigators believe the fire, which started at approximately 3:30 a.m., was intentionally set.

UCSC Police and UCSC Fire personnel who responded say the kiosk's sprinkler system extinguished the fire within minutes. Three windows in the kiosk were broken by the person or persons responsible, who then ignited a chair inside the building, investigators believe.

The state Fire Marshal's Office is also investigating the incident.

Campus emergency staff on the scene today are estimating that the kiosk may have sustained several thousand dollars in damage.

The Fire Marshal's Office, UCSC Fire Department, and UCSC Police are asking for assistance in the identification of the person or persons responsible for this morning's fire.

Detective Steve Garcia can be contacted directly by phoning the UCSC Police Office at 831/459-2231. Reports may also be made anonymously by calling 831/459-3TIP (459-3847) or submitted online via www2.ucsc.edu/police/crime.