SUU Offers Housing to Displaced Residents of Brian Head
Published: June 22, 2017 | Read Time: 1 minutes
Southern Utah University President Scott L Wyatt is opening the university dorms to displaced residents of the fire ravaged town of Brian Head. Wyatt said, “We are deeply saddened by the devastating fire in nearby Brian Head. We are making the dorms available to families in need of housing.”
The Brian Head fire has ravaged over 10,000 acres and 755 people have been evacuated. Buildings in the town are threatened. The town recently issued a Wildfire Emergency Declaration. The declaration “sought aid, assistance and relief” and SUU answered the call.
Director of University Housing, Chris Ralphs said, “Summer is a busy time for us with athletic camps, but we will make six of our apartments in our residence hall, Eccles A, available to those needing temporary housing.”
According to the Utah Division of Emergency Management Situation Report, “One home is destroyed and two homes are damaged. 407 single residences, 90 multiple residences (including 1,135 individual apartments or condominiums), 38 commercial properties, and 220 minor structures are threatened. Five more people were evacuated on June 21, and 750 remain evacuated.”
SUU will have room for up to 60 people. Ralphs said, “The apartments are designed for families, so if families need somewhere to stay, they are welcome here.” The apartment style residence halls are complete with kitchen and bathrooms.
The Aviation program at SUU also donated time in helicopters for aid in the fire to news agencies.
For those interested in staying at SUU, please contact George Colson, Red Cross Site Director, at (435) 879-9033.
Contact Information:
435-586-5400
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