On December 18, 2013, University of Maryland Police Criminal Investigations Unit and the Office of the University Fire Marshal have reviewed camera footage and have ruled the Testudo fire to be accidental. The cause of the fire was due to a lamp shade being place over a lit candle. There was no damage to Testudo and no injuries reported.
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On December 18, 2013 at approximately 1am, a Student Police Aide reported a small fire in front of McKeldin Library. Officers responded and, upon arrival, found that offerings to Testudo, such as notes and books, were set fire on top of the statue. The fire had been extinguished prior to the officer's arrival. There is no damage to the statue itself. Facilities Management was notified to clean up the burnt debris. Malicious intent has not been ruled out and the case is under investigation. It is a tradition that students will leave momentos for Testudo, including candles, books, notes and other personal items.
Updates will be posted here when available.