The recent fire on the third floor of Larch Hall caused by a halogen lamp has more people taking notice of halogen-lamp safety.

According to Capt. Tom Hilts of the Ames Fire Department, the fire in Larch Hall on Saturday occurred when a halogen lamp came into contact with bedding. Although no injuries resulted from the fire, it left 63 residents in temporary housing.

Hilts said estimated damage is about $100,000.

Gary Schwartz, associate director of the Department of Residence, said they were in the process of conducting a halogen-lamp investigation before the fire in Larch Hall occurred. He said they are continuing their investigation, with hopes of having a new policy by the end of the year.

“Halogen lamps are very popular among people and among students,” Schwartz said. “We’re trying to see if there are ways and some types of lamps that we can feel comfortable using in the residence halls.”

Many students use halogen lamps in the residence halls to provide adequate lighting for studying.

Schwartz said when many of the residence halls were built, the expectation was for students to provide their own study lamps. Recently, with new renovations in the residence halls, some dorm-room lighting has been improved.

“Clearly a significant number of our rooms right now do not provide adequate lighting for studying,” Schwartz said.

Schwartz said the Department of Residence does not want to ban halogen lamps because it would be a major inconvenience for students.

This is the first fire on campus started by a halogen lamp, Phil Harris, deputy fire chief, said.

Harris said a similar fire involving a halogen lamp occurred at the Stanton Manor Apartments, 218 Stanton Ave., not long ago. He said the fire started when a pillow was placed over the top of the lamp.

“I certainly wouldn’t place the lamp under lofts or adjacent to bunk beds, where bedding can come into contact with the lamp,” Harris advised. “The same kind of precautions go with any space-heating device.”

Bill Zook, store manager of Target, 620 Lincoln Way, said there have been several inquiries from customers about getting the protective seal for the lamps.

People can pick up the shield at the guest service desk at no charge.

The free wire-guard shields are provided by the Task Force for Enhanced Safety Torchieres in corporation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

For more information about the shield, there is safety warning sign posted on the bulletin board near Target’s guest-service desk. The sign states in red, “halogen lamps can cause fires.”

To help prevent fires, Harris said people should make sure they do not drape anything over the lamp that is combustible. “I’ve heard of people draping clothes over them while doing laundry when their clothes aren’t completely dry,” he said.

Harris also advised people to not place halogen lamps near drapes, curtains or coat racks. He said the lamps may still be hot even after they are turned off.

One element many people do not think about is dust around the lamp. Harris said an accumulation of dust on the lamp could also pose a fire hazard.

Kati Myers, a freshman in liberal arts and sciences, does not have a halogen lamp in her dorm room in Maple Hall.

Even though Myers has two other lamps in her room, she said the Department of Residence provides adequate lighting.

“There aren’t a lot of people on my floor that have [halogen lamps,]” Myers said.

If halogens lamps are banned from the residence halls, Myers said she does not think many residents will be upset.