A Sellery Hall sprinkler system tripped off Sunday evening by an errant basketball left water damage throughout the residence hall's sixth floor men's wing, as well as on lower floors where water leaked.
A UW-Madison Police Department report indicated that officers responded to the incident at 10:58 p.m, finding sprinklers activated on the sixth floor of Sellery's B Tower.
Firefighters found no fire present, although one resident was found inside who had not departed when the alarm was sounded.
Police officers later found that the sprinkler head had been broken by a 17-year-old guest staying in one of the rooms on the floor. The guest told police he had broken the head while using a basketball in the hallway.
As a result of the discharged sprinkler, approximately 29 residents were evacuated for the night, the report said.
A preliminary damage estimate is around $5,000, while damage to personal property in rooms is still being assessed.
Investigation into the incident, which caused no injuries, continues.