A year has passed since fires broke out on the fifth floor of Mendocino Hall and the fourth floor of Mariposa Hall; today, repairs are almost complete, but culprits are yet to be found.

On Oct. 13 last year, a fire in Mendocino Hall was reported at 2:58 p.m. Within 10 to 15 minutes, a second fire was reported in Mariposa Hall.

The flames forced an evacuation of both buildings, which were closed until 8 a.m. the following day.

Two months later, Cal Fire officials declared the incident as arson after thorough investigation. As of today, there have not been any new developments in the case.

“At this time, I have not obtained sufficient information to (lead) to an arrest,” said Mark M. Iwasa, chief of police.

University police have been investigating the fires, along with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). The ATF partners up with the local law enforcement to protect the community from criminal organizations, track illegal firearms, violent crimes, acts of arson and bombings.

The police have followed leads, but the case has gone cold. There were no pieces of evidence nor witnesses to help determine a suspect.

Mendocino Hall suffered the least damage. Two offices and the floor needed major repairs.

“Reconstruction for the entire fifth floor corridor walls and ceiling, new lighting, paint throughout, and replacement of fire devices and exit signage are all complete,” said interim manager of project design and development at Sac State, Todd McComb.

Mariposa Hall, on the other hand, sustained the most damage to the second, third and fourth floors. There was major water damage from the firefighters putting out the flames. Three rooms were completely destroyed along with the interior design library.

Consequently, interior design had to be moved to El Dorado Hall until reconstruction. All books, furniture, files and other personal items were removed to be cleaned and deodorized.

Director of Facilities Planning and Construction Services Victor Takahashi said, the university estimated a total $2.5 million to repair the damages.

Water damage and the two offices on Mariposa’s second floor have been completed. The kitchen in room 3007 has been repaired with new flooring, cabinetry and the water damage to the walls.

The fourth floor damage is all that is left to repair. Thus far, heat, ventilation and air conditioning and mechanical, electrical and plumbing are the only components that have been fully repaired.

“Currently (we are) replacing all sheetrock throughout,” McComb said. “New paint and ceiling systems are to be installed mid- November. New cabinets, flooring, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (will) be installed at the end of November.”

McComb said construction is predicted to be complete by early December and by the spring 2013 semester. The question of whether the programs previously held in the building will be relocated there is still up in the air.

University police continue to encourage others to inform them if any information is known about the fires.

Maikalina Madali can be reached at [email protected]

Miguel Lopez can be reached at [email protected]