FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Five Injured in Residence Hall Fire
CONTACT: Jack Beresford, (619) 594-5204, pager (619) 620-1184
SAN DIEGO, Thursday, April 19, 2001, 10:56 AM- Five people were injured in a two-alarm fire at El Conquistador residence hall at San Diego State University. The fire, reported to San Diego Fire Department at 11:30 a.m. occurred in a dormitory room on the sixth floor of the nine-story building.
Among the five injured were two Grossmont College students, ages 19 and 20; two SDSU police officers, Mike Svec and David Rodriguez; and one residence hall employee. The two students were transported to UCSD Medical Center. The SDSU police officers were treated for smoke inhalation and released from Alvarado Hospital. The injured residence hall employee was transported to UCSD Medical Center.
"Our thoughts and best wishes are with those injured in the fire and their families," said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber. "We commend the quick and effective response of SDSU and San Diego police departments, San Diego and La Mesa fire departments and the residence hall employees who assisted in the rescue effort.
"The safety of our students, faculty and staff is the university's top priority."
According to fire officials on the scene, the mattress fire appeared to be caused by discarded smoking materials. The estimated damage is $15,000.
The fire alarm was activated and the building was evacuated within minutes. The building is fully equipped with a sprinkler system, however, investigators say the fire was not hot enough to activate the sprinklers.
Responding to the fire were the San Diego Fire Department, San Diego Police Department, SDSU Police Department and La Mesa Fire Department. The response involved eight fire engines, four fire trucks and four ambulances.
El Conquistador, a 280-room residence hall, which can accommodate up to 560 students, is owned by Aztec Shops, a nonprofit auxiliary of SDSU. The building is privately managed. Fire officials said residents would be permitted to enter the building later this afternoon.
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 76 areas, master's degrees in 59 areas and doctorates in 13. SDSU's more than 31,000 students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with professors and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, log onto www.sdsu.edu.
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