The Catching Fire: Residence Hall Burn Simulation, held earlier in the spring semester, provided a unique educational opportunity for Stetson University students, faculty, staff and members of the DeLand community to watch the simulation of an actual fire in a residence hall room.

Stetson University’s Department of Housing and Residential Life, Facilities Management and Public Safety collaborated with the DeLand Fire Department to bring this dramatic presentation to Stetson’s campus. Housing and Residential Life provided the overall direction of the event; Facilities Management constructed the mock dorm room; and Public Safety provided officer support the day of the event. The DeLand Fire Department provided fire safety tips to attendees while everyone witnessed the burning of the mock residence hall room, complete with bed, curtains, and desk.

“Catching Fire helped many students and staff witness the outcome of a real fire in a residence hall,” said Monica Saldarriaga, coordinator for Residential Programs. “With the strong relationship that has been established between Stetson’s Residential Life and the DeLand Fire Department as a whole, this program was created to aid in educating Stetson staff and students on fire safety and emergency response times.”

Due to rain delays, the residence hall burn simulation had to be rescheduled three times this past semester. The residence hall burn simulation is the second time this has happened on the Stetson University campus; the last time was in 2012.

According to The Center for Campus Fire Safety, 85 fatal fires occurred in the United States, claiming the lives of 122 victims from January 2000 to March 2014. Thirty-eight of these fires were accidental (including cooking, candles, smoking or electrical), and claimed 52 victims.

“This is an excellent public education event, designed to bring about and achieve higher levels of fire safety for college students, regardless of whether they live on or off campus,” said Deputy Fire ChiefRon Snowberger with the DeLand Fire Department. “The DeLand Fire Department appreciates the opportunity to be part of a demonstration that serves to increase the awareness that fires can and do happen. Most people think that fire can only occur to others. Unfortunately, that is not true, and it can happen to anyone. When fire safety is taken seriously, much can be done to prevent it from occurring. The life safety and well-being of every Stetson student is very important to our fire department.”

Stetson’s Housing and Residential Life educates students on fire safety policies in The Guide to Residential Living, as well as conducts fire safety checks throughout the year. A drill is also completed at the beginning of each semester in each residential building to inform and remind students of fire safety policies.

By Barbara Hawkins, Residential Life Coordinator