IUPD investigating 3 fires

The IU Police Department is investigating three similar fire related incidents that occurred within three days.

The first fire happened at 11:10 p.m. on March 26 in the Tulip Tree University Apartments. Residents discovered a roll of toilet paper on fire in the stairwell between the fifth and sixth floors, according to an IUPD press release.

The Bloomington Fire Department extinguished the fire. It left burn marks on the vinyl floors with estimated damage costs of $100.

The second fire occurred at 7:27 p.m. on March 27 in the Forest Quad in the sixth floor stairwell, according to the press release. IUPD officers discovered the fire started with a roll of toilet paper. The estimated damage to the vinyl floor was $100.

The third fire was at 11:16 p.m. on March 28 in the Tulip Tree University Apartments on the stairwell between the second and third floors, according to the press release. The fire appeared to be started by a roll of the toilet paper or paper towels.

IUPD has handled fire cases in the past but this is the first time there have been three fires with similar situations in three consecutive days, IUPD Capt. Jerry Minger said.

The biggest danger the residents face is evacuating the building and avoiding the smoke, Minger said.

IUPD officers living in residence halls will have meetings with residents and resident assistants to explain the dangers of these fires. Every residence hall except for Collins Center has a student officer living in them, Minger said.

“There’s always greater concern because this person needs to be stopped,” Minger said.

Officers are investigating all suspect possibilities but don’t have any suspects or witnesses at this time.

“It seems a little more disturbing than someone who made one bad decision,” Minger said.

Anyone who has any information about any of the incidents is asked to contact IUPD at 855-4111.

Read Wednesday’s edition of the Indiana Daily Student for more information.