In an average year, 1,800 fires hit
college campuses, killing some,
injuring many more and causing
millions of dollars in property
damage, according to the U.S.
Fire Administration.
Arson is the leading cause of fires
in on- and off-campus student
housing, followed by cooking and
smoking.
Treat every fire alarm
like the real
thing.
Overloading outlets
can lead to fire.
Smoke/flame producing materials
(cigarettes, candles, etc.) and
propped doors make fire spread.
May 19, 2001 –
John Carroll University, Ohio
University. Two students die in
separate off-campus house fires.
May 1, 2001 –
University of Texas.
One student was killed and
another was critically injured in
an off-campus high-rise housing
200 university students.
February 2004
Aromatherapy Causes Dorm Fire
Candles On Stove Start Fire
POSTED: 6:25 a.m. CST February 4, 2004
UPDATED: 5:45 p.m. CST February 4, 2004
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Fire investigators say aromatherapy caused a dorm fire Tuesday
night.
Crews arrived at 2710 Fleur Drive around 6:30 p.m. The building is a dorm for the
American Institute of Business.
Investigators say candles being heated in a frying pan started the fire. The tenant left
the apartment and forgot to shut it off. Firefighters could see the glow of the back
burner through the dense smoke.
They had to shut off power to the entire building as a precaution.
Some students are staying in temporary housing.
A damage estimate was not released.
December 10, 2000 –
A University of Dayton student lit
a roll of paper towels, which
started a fire, killing another
university student in an offcampus house.
April 10, 2000 –
Massachusetts Institute of
Technology residence hall. One
was killed; seven were injured.
March 20, 2000 –
Bloomsburg University in
Pennsylvania fraternity house.
Three were killed.
January 19, 2000 –
Seton Hall University residence
hall. Three were killed; 62 were
injured.