UTEP Building Evacuated After Early Morning Fire

A fire broke out shortly after 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the UTEP Fine Arts building.

The El Paso Fire Department said that 11 units responded after smoke was reported inside the building. Fire crews said they located the blaze inside a closet on the second floor.

Investigators said the fire was started by an electrical transformer/charger plugged into the wall which ignited combustibles in the closet. Preliminary damage is estimated at $2,000.

The building was briefly evacuated and morning classes were interrupted. The fire was quickly extinguished and classes resumed after the building was cleared of smoke.

No injuries were reported.