UNLV repairs fire damages to dorm

UNLV is looking at an estimate of $60,000 to $100,000 to repair water damages in a dormitory complex resulting from a fire earlier this month.

Crews are making repairs on Dayton North’s first and second floors while students previously occupying those floors are adjusting to their new rooms in Williams Hall.

It may be a week or two until university officials have a final cost estimate, according to Tony Allen, spokesman for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

On April 7, a fire in a second-floor restroom set off the building’s smoke alarm and the sprinkler system, causing the water damage on the affected floors. About 170 students were evacuated, but those living on the third and fourth floors were able to get back into their rooms two days later.

Students living in the first and second floors were relocated to Williams Hall, where they remain.

The fire was ruled accidental, Allen said. It started after a student, who was smoking a hookah, or waterpipe, was cleaning out the coals in the restroom.

Smoking is allowed only in outdoor designated areas, and it is believed the student was smoking in one of those areas, Allen said.

The matter has been referred to the university’s student conduct office, and Allen said officials will determine whether the student will face disciplinary action related to the incident.

The university has insurance to cover the costs of repairs to the building, Allen said, but it won’t cover students’ losses.

UNLV freshman Morgan Stevens, 18, who lived on the first floor, said she doesn’t have renter’s insurance, and she isn’t alone in that. Fortunately, only some of her belongings got wet, and that didn’t include any electronics, she said.

Stevens was wearing pajamas when the fire happened, and the only personal item she grabbed before running out of her room was her cellphone.

“It was a pain,” she said. “I didn’t even have shoes on.”

She wasn’t able to return to her room to get some personal belongings until 5 p.m. the day after the fire.

The hospitality management major is still adjusting to her new room in Williams Hall.

“It’s a lot smaller,” she said. “And the showers suck.”

UNLV freshman Asher Arvinger, 18, echoed Stevens’ sentiments. However, he said he might get a refund because the rooms in Williams Hall are cheaper.

UNLV freshman Melissa Stratton, 18, had books and notes damaged, but the outcome was worse for other students. Stevens said one student lost a laptop to water damages.

Allen said university officials are working with students and their parents now on insurance claims.

Afsha Bawany, UNLV spokeswoman, said students were allowed into their rooms in the early mornings hours on April 8 to get personal items.

On April 12, the university hired a moving company to help students transfer all of their belongings to Williams Hall, Bawany said.

Students will remain in Williams Hall until repairs are completed, Allen said.

Contact Yesenia Amaro at yamaro@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0440.