The students living at Sigma Phi Epsilon were evacuated safely, The Capital Times reported. But most escaped with only whatever they were wearing or were able to grab on the way out, losing textbooks, notes and computers during the final exam season.

University officials credited Madison Police Officer Angie Dhyr for getting everyone out. Dhyr spotted a glow at the rear of the fraternity house while she was on routine patrol shortly before midnight Monday. She checked the back, found that it was in flames and pounded on the door until someone in the house responded.

The cause of the fire was unknown Tuesday.

The building was repaired at a cost of $500,000 after a 1999 fire. Ryan Sugden, vice president of the alumni board, said that this time the building is beyond repair.

"It's a total loss. Nothing will be recovered from that house," he said.