Damage estimate for Bowen Science Building fire triples

IOWA CITY - Damaged to the University of Iowa Bowen Science Building - which caught fire June 11 - is now estimated at $1.5 million.

The total cost of the fire and clean up is likely to rise, however, as UI officials said that figure does not include damage to lab equipment or repairing and replacing supplies.

'(T) he process of assessing that damage is ongoing,” said UI spokeswoman Hayley Bruce.

According to Bruce and the Iowa City Fire Department, firefighters were called to the Bowen Science Building, 51 Newton Road, at 5:45 p.m. June 11, when a fire alarm detected heat in the building. Responding firefighters found a fire in a second story lab and put it out in about 20 minutes.

Fire officials credited the building's sprinkler system for containing the spread of the fire. However, the water used to contain and put out the fire also contributed to the damage of the building. Bruce said water damage struck both the first and second floors of the building, which led to the increased damage estimate.

Bowen faculty, staff and students have been relocated on campus, Bruce said.

The fire was believed to be started by an idle electrical extension cord.

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