The fire that claimed the life of Edgar del Pilar unfortunately is a tragedy that is repeated far too often across the country. Since January 2000, more than 80 percent of fatal student fires have occurred in off-campus housing.

Residence halls can provide students with a higher level of safety if they include features such as automatic fire sprinklers, supervised fire alarm systems and strong fire prevention policies regarding the use of candles, smoking and other potential ignition sources. When a student moves offcampus, the situation changes dramatically.

In many of the fires we have identified, there are common threads that have emerged. These include the lack of fire sprinklers, missing or disabled smoke alarms, alcohol and smoking. Candles are quickly becoming an area of major concern in house fires across the country as well.

When a student moves off campus, there are many new responsibilities. The university and the community can play a role in providing them with information on how to protect themselves and their roommates, but the ultimate responsibility lies with the individuals.

I encourage everyone to learn what actions he or she can take to avoid another tragic fire and to save a life — perhaps yours.

Ed Comea

Director

Center for Campus Fire Safety

Amherst, Mass.