Lang
2/10/24
A University of Iowa student is accused of setting off fire alarms at Burge Hall overnight, causing the building to be evacuated early Saturday morning.
UI Police say witnesses observed 18-year-old Tristin Tavolino of Woodridge, Illinois use a fire extinguisher in a Burge hallway just after 2 a.m. Even though there was no fire, the incident set off the smoke alarms, causing the North Clinton Street dormitory to be temporarily evacuated.
Security video reportedly confirmed Tavolino’s involvement. The cost to replace the fire extinguisher and clean up the damage is estimated at $500.
Tavolino is charged with 4th Degree Criminal Mischief and Making a False Report of an Indictable Offense to a Public Entity. If convicted on both charges, he faces a maximum of two years in jail.