<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style=""><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-da3852be-7fff-76f1-adf3-b4256e78050d" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" style=""><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Dear Campus Community,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><b style="font-weight:normal" id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-7f1ee9cf-7fff-e6b3-799a-b9e5f07d4e48"><br></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">I am writing to share information regarding a significant fire that occurred today, May 29, at the University Riverside Gardens apartment complex close to campus, at 3996 Iowa Avenue. The fire was reported at approximately 11:15 a.m., and emergency crews from the Riverside Fire Department, Riverside Police Department, and UCR Police Department responded immediately to the scene. At least 50 units were destroyed, and 150 residents have been displaced.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);white-space:pre-wrap">While the apartment complex is not owned or operated by UCR, it is a residence for many of our students. We have confirmed that approximately 55 UCR students have been directly affected by this incident. Our hearts go out to these Highlanders and all residents who have been displaced or impacted by this distressing event.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><br></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">UCR is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. We are currently conducting outreach to the affected students to ensure they have the support they need. Campus and external resources available include on-campus emergency housing and dining, off-campus housing options; basic needs; academic support; and 24-hour mental health and counseling services. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><b><br></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><b>Affected students who need immediate assistance or more information should call </b></span><b><span style="font-variant:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">UCR Basic Needs at (951) 827-3663 or email </span><span style="font-variant:normal;color:rgb(17,85,204);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"><a href="mailto:housingsupport@ucr.edu">housingsupport@ucr.edu</a></span><span style="font-variant:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">. </span></b><b><span style="font-variant:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Students who need professional and confidential mental health support, may contact </span><a href="https://counseling.ucr.edu/" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193);font-variant:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">UCR’s Counseling and Psychological Services</span></a><span style="font-variant:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> (CAPS) at 951-827-5531. </span><span style="background-color:transparent;font-variant:normal;color:rgb(0,0,0);vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> </span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><b style="font-weight:normal"><br></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:11.25pt"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">UCR leadership is liaising closely with the property management company to determine both immediate and longer-term steps for our students.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:11.25pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);white-space:pre-wrap">The Riverside Fire Department is currently investigating the cause of the fire.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:11.25pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);white-space:pre-wrap">On behalf of the entire university community, I express my deepest condolences to those who have lost property or been displaced. We are here to support you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);white-space:pre-wrap">Sincerely,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,0,0);white-space:pre-wrap">S. Jack Hu, Ph.D.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Chancellor</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"></p></font></span></div></div>