According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 3,331 structure fires annually in dormitories, fraternity and sorority houses, and military barracks between 2018 and 2022.
These fires caused 21 civilian deaths and $21 million in direct property damage each year.
Cooking equipment is the leading cause of fires in these residences, with many incidents starting in kitchens.
Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA, said: “As students return to campus this fall, many of them will be preparing their own meals.
“Some will be using kitchen appliances for the first time or cooking food after studying or coming home late from a party.”
Beyond cooking, another increasing fire risk involves lithium-ion batteries.
Many college students rely on e-bikes, e-scooters, laptops, and other electronic devices powered by these batteries, but mishandling them can lead to fire hazards.
Alan Sactor, vice president of the Center for Campus Fire Safety, said: “Micromobility devices like e-bikes and e-scooters and smaller electronics such as cell phones, laptops, and tablets are vital to the daily life of college students.
However, the mishandling or misuse of these batteries can lead to safety hazards such as overheating, fire, or even explosions.”
To reduce the risk, NFPA and CCFS recommend using only the charger supplied with the device, avoiding overcharging, and stopping use if the battery shows signs of damage, such as excessive heat or swelling.
To address the rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, the Center for Campus Fire Safety launched the Micromobility/Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Reporting Program in 2023.
The program supports fire safety professionals in developing educational resources and safety protocols to help reduce these risks on campuses.
Students are encouraged to learn how to safely charge, store, and use their micromobility devices and other electronics.
NFPA and CCFS offer guidance on preventing battery fires, including key steps such as not leaving devices charging after they are fully charged and ensuring they are purchased from reputable manufacturers.
As part of the annual Campus Fire Safety Month campaign, NFPA and CCFS provide resources and safety tips for students, parents, and campus administrators to promote fire safety awareness.
Students are urged to follow guidelines for safe cooking and to remain vigilant about the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries.
The campaign includes access to free resources and tips on fire safety, which are available on the NFPA website.
The NFPA and the Center for Campus Fire Safety have launched their annual Campus Fire Safety Month campaign as students return to college dormitories and off-campus housing for the 2024-2025 school year.
The campaign focuses on reducing fire hazards caused by cooking equipment and lithium-ion batteries.
Between 2018 and 2022, an average of 3,331 structure fires were reported annually in college residences, often starting in kitchens.
In response to increasing concerns over battery fires, the CCFS launched the Micromobility/Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Reporting Program in 2023 to promote safety.
Free resources and fire prevention tips are available on the NFPA website.
