SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. — Seton Hall University said it will install sprinkler systems immediately in its two dormitories that lack them, including one where a recent blaze killed three students.
Three 18-year-old freshmen died in the Jan. 19 fire at Boland Hall. No charges have been filed, though The Star-Ledger of Newark reported Wednesday that investigators believe the fire was set.
University spokeswoman Lisa Grider discussed the sprinklers Wednesday but referred all questions about the report to the Essex County prosecutor's office. Executive Assistant Prosecutor Charlotte Smith said her office would not comment on it.
The newspaper said investigators believe the fire, which injured more than 60 students, may have resulted from a feud between a group of students and non-students who were in the building the night of the blaze. It said they had not concluded whether the third-floor lounge fire was started as a prank or an attempt to harm someone.
A student resident adviser had asked three visitors to leave Boland Hall less than an hour before the fire broke out. Investigators said they believe one of the three remained in the building, located on the campus of the 9,200-student Roman Catholic university.
The resident adviser, Dana Christmas, 21, remained in critical condition Wednesday with severe burns and has yet to speak with investigators. Three other students who are in critical condition also have not been interviewed.