Local fire officials give tips during College Fire Safety Month

Fire officials are reminding students about how to prevent campus fires as September is recognized as College Fire Safety Month in Massachusetts and 22 News reporter Sarah BNMA joins us live in studio with tips from Amherst Fire Chief Lindsey Stromgren. Nick and C. R. Between 2020 and 2024 Massachusetts fire departments responded to over 2000 fires on campus and off campus that resulted in 14 injuries. More than 90% were related to unattended cooking. In Amherst, the fire chief says the biggest fire hazards they run into are smoke detectors covered with trash bags. Last year, a covered smoke detector delayed notifying the department about a trash can fire at U. S. Amherst. There was even an electrical fire on the campus that made students evacuate over the weekend. Chief Stromgren says their goal is to respond to fires in five minutes or less. But if they can't get there quick enough, here are tips. It's in a kitchen and an off campus housing and it's a grease fire in a pan. You can cover the pan, but if you have any kind of a fire in your room, you should get out, activate the fire alarm and call 911. Other causes of fires at colleges and universities can come from candles, smoking or an overload of power strips. Fire officials also urged students to clear exit routes and practice a plan with two ways out for when a fire breaks out. Perfect for you, Sarah BNMA 22 News.