23 UW-Whitewater students displaced after sorority house fire

WHITEWATER (WITI) -- A minor fire at the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority house in Whitewater has displaced 23 UW-Whitewater students.

The fire was reported around 10:44 a.m. Friday, March 14th and was out within 30 minutes.

The house sustained smoke and water damage. The cause remains under investigation.

The sorority was in the process of retrofitting a fire sprinkler system in the house and the system was not yet operational. State law has required all Greek housing to be equipped with fire sprinkler systems since January 1, 2014, but the sorority had fallen behind the deadline.

 

University officials said that all the members of the sorority who live in the house are safe and have been accounted for. Whitewater City Police report that there was one minor injury.

The Office of Residence Life will provide housing for students displaced by the fire.



The Office of Academic Affairs will work with instructors to accommodate students who missed any exams or coursework.

Counseling services are available at University Health and Counseling Services located in the Ambrose Health Center building and appointments may be made by calling 262-472-1305.