Dorm Room Fire Warning

August 2007

A special alert for parents and college students – the Consumer Product Safety Commission, U.S. Fire Administration, and the National Fire Protection Association have joined together to warn about the dangers of dorm fires. With over 3,000 incidents annually, it’s important to take steps to prevent potential fire hazards in dorm rooms.

From 1998 to 2005, dorm room fires nearly doubled as they increased from 1,800 to 3,300. Nearly 40 deaths and 400 injuries were linked to dorm fires from 2000 to 2005. The majority of dorm fire deaths and injuries occur in the bedroom. Tobacco products, candles, and incense are among the most common items that spark dorm fires in the sleeping area.

Of all dormitory, fraternity, sorority, and barrack fires, 72 percent are caused by cooking equipment. Items such as hot plates, microwaves, and portable grills may spark flames if they are used improperly or left unsupervised. Other products such as portable heaters and halogen lamps pose series fire hazards, along with overloaded electrical outlets and power strips.