COLLEGE PARK, Md. (AP) — The number of fires reported in university and college housing has increased sharply in recent years as students plug in more electrical gear, including microwave ovens, federal officials said Tuesday.
There were 3,300 college housing fires in 2005, up from 1,800 in 1998, according to a report by the National Fire Protection Association. From 2002 to 2005, there were 39 deaths and close to 400 injuries from fires in residences that include dormitories, fraternities, sororities and barracks.
Federal officials said the increase comes as students cram more electrical equipment into their dorm rooms, with microwaves and hot plates responsible for a majority of the fires.
Most of the fatalities, however, were blamed on fires started by smoking or unattended candles.