Dozens Of UCR Students Lose Everything After Fire Rips Through Their Apartment Building

RIVERSIDE, CA — As finals week and graduation approach at UC Riverside, dozens of students had their lives turned upside down after a fire tore through their housing complex.

The fire, the cause of which is under investigation, was reported at approximately 11:15 a.m. Friday at the two-story University Riverside Gardens apartment complex at 3996 Iowa Avenue.

Fifty apartments were destroyed, and 150 residents were displaced. A total of 62 apartments were saved, according to the Riverside Fire Department.

The complex is not owned or operated by UCR, but it's home to many of the school's students. The housing is less than 1 mile from campus.

"We have confirmed that approximately 55 UCR students have been directly affected by this incident," according to a statement Monday from UCR Chancellor S. Jack Hu. "Our hearts go out to these Highlanders and all residents who have been displaced or impacted by this distressing event."

UCR is currently conducting outreach to the affected students. 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, according to Hu.

Several GoFundMe posts have appeared since the blaze. They show photos from the scene — a burned-out apartment building, partially collapsed from the damage.

One post from Maliah Young, who identified as a 20-year-old UCR student-athlete, said she lost just about everything in the fire, including important documents such as her ID and birth certificate, as well as her computer and other electronics.

Young shared that the road ahead "feels overwhelming," and said, "Now, I’m facing the aftermath of this disaster alone, without insurance or a safety net."

Estrella Onofre Gutierrez said her sister, Lucero Onofre, is a UCR student who also lost everything in the inferno. Estrella started a GoFundMe for her sibling.

"My sister is a full-time college student and a proud first-generation student who has worked incredibly hard to build a future for herself through education. ... Now she’s facing the unimaginable task of having to rebuild her life from nothing while continuing to focus on school," Estrella wrote.

"In an instant, she lost all of her belongings—her clothes, furniture, personal items, important documents, school materials, and the place she called home. While we are incredibly grateful that she is safe, the emotional and financial impact has been overwhelming," Estrella continued.

Mariana Barajas shared a similar story. In a GoFundMe post that she authored, she said she is part of UCR's Class of 2026. UCR and the county are helping her with temporary housing assistance as she prepares for graduation, and there are school-affiliated donation drives this upcoming week, she shared.

But the fire left her without her clothes, electronics, shoes, bed, and important paperwork.

"I am also facing unexpected costs for temporary housing and graduation expenses," she said. "Starting over right now feels daunting, and every bit of support will make a difference as I try to rebuild and move forward."

No injuries were immediately reported in the blaze. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact authorities. The Riverside Fire Department can be reached at 951-826-5321. The Riverside Police Department can be reached at 951-354-2007.

Students affected by the fire who need immediate assistance or more information can call UCR Basic Needs at 951-827-3663 or email housingsupport@ucr.edu. Students who need professional and confidential mental health support can contact UCR’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 951-827-5531.