A structural fire at the Casa Blanca Apartments, located at 2302 University Ave., displaced approximately 50 University of Wisconsin-Madison students early Sunday morning, according to a news release.
Madison Fire Department Spokesperson Lori Wirth said damages are still being calculated, and the cause of the fire remains unknown. She added more details will be released over the next few days.
According to the release, all UW-Madison students were able to find temporary housing on their own, but the Red Cross assisted two non-students with temporary housing needs.
Residents in two of the building’s three wings were able to return to their homes, but residents of the remaining wing, where it is believed the fire started, will be relocated for the near future, according to the release. Dean of Students Lori Berquam estimated 20-25 students are permanently displaced from this wing of the building, until reconstruction can be completed.
Berquam was at the scene early Sunday morning to assist the displaced students and said it was important for her to be there to support the university.
“It’s one of the reasons we as UW-Madison are so unique,” Berquam said. “We’re a big place, but we have a big heart and we care about our students and have compassion for situations like this and try to have our students be as focused on academics and be as successful as possible in light of a situation like this.”
Berquam added her office will be available throughout the week to assist students in whatever way they need and will be offering various services for those displaced by the fire.
