By Marcy Ost
As summer winds down and students gear up for fall semester, it’s a good time to review what we’re doing to support campus fire safety in our communities.
Whether your local college is a large state university, a small technical school—or you don’t have a campus in your district at all—every chief has a role to play in protecting students, staff, and the surrounding community.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, most fatal campus fires happen in off-campus housing. These buildings often fall outside of school jurisdiction and may lack basic fire protection like working smoke alarms or sprinkler systems. Many students living on their own for the first time don’t know what to look for in safe housing—or how to respond in an emergency.
Campus-related fires are often caused by unattended cooking, candles, overloaded power strips, or improper use of extension cords. Add alcohol, late nights, and a lack of experience, and the risk compounds quickly.
Here’s how your department can get ahead of the issue—even if there’s no campus in your first-due area:
Equip Parents and Students Before They Leave: Include campus fire safety tips in your late summer outreach. A Facebook post, a handout at the county fair, or a short article in the local paper can remind families to check smoke alarms and look for two ways out of any new housing.
Host a “Going Off to College” Safety Night: Partner with schools or civic groups to offer a one-hour session for recent grads and their parents. Cover topics such as housing safety, lithium battery tips, and what to do during a fire.
Share Ready-Made Resources: NFPA, USFA, and your state fire marshal have shareable graphics and checklists that make it easy to get the word out without reinventing the wheel.
Stay Connected: When those students come home on breaks, keep reinforcing the message. Fire safety habits built early often last a lifetime.
If you do have a university in your area, consider some of these options for getting ahead of any issues:
Build Relationships Early: Connect with campus safety officers and residence hall staff before the fall rush. A quick walk-through or fire drill can go a long way.
Educate Off-Campus Renters: Partner with student housing groups or landlords to share fire safety checklists. A simple door flyer about smoke alarms and escape plans can save lives.
Offer Pop-Up Engagement: Set up a table outside the dining hall or student union with dorm-safe cooking tips or a lithium battery demo. It’s a great way to draw crowds and starts conversations.
Even if your district isn’t home to a campus, chances are some of your local kids are packing up and heading off to college. Let’s make sure they leave with safety at the top of their checklist.
