Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 23, 2025) — As college students across Utah prepare for the start of classes on Monday, the American Red Cross of Utah is urging students and their families to prioritize fire safety—especially for those living away from home for the first time.
“For many young adults, college is an exciting step toward independence, but that freedom comes with the responsibility of ensuring their own safety,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Understanding fire risks and preparing an escape plan are simple but vital steps that can save lives in dorms, apartments, fraternities, sororities or other off-campus housing.”
The Risks Are Real
Nationwide, fire departments respond to more than 3,300 fires annually in dorms, fraternity and sorority houses, student apartments and other off-campus housing, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). September and October are the peak months for fires in student housing, with cooking being the leading cause. Fires most often occur during evening hours, and approximately 25% of all campus fire fatalities happen after a party. These fires claim 20 lives in the United States each year and cause $21 million in property damage.
Electrical and Lithium-Ion Battery Safety
While cooking remains a primary cause of campus fires, there is growing concern over fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. Many students rely on e-bikes, e-scooters, laptops and other electronic devices powered by these batteries. Improper handling or misuse can lead to overheating, fires or even explosions. To reduce risks, students should use only manufacturer-approved charging equipment, avoid overloading electrical outlets and never leave devices charging unattended.
Smoke Alarms and Escape Planning
Students living in dorms, fraternity or sorority housing, or off-campus apartments should ensure their homes have working smoke alarms—and never disable them. The Red Cross also emphasizes the importance of creating and practicing a fire escape plan, which includes identifying two ways out of every room and designating a safe meeting spot outside. For optimal safety, students should seek housing equipped with automatic fire sprinklers.
“Talk to your child about fire safety, review the fire safety plan and test all smoke alarms in their new place,” Lafranca said. “For most students, the last fire safety training they received was in elementary or middle school, but with new independence comes new responsibilities.”
Fire Safety on Campus: What to Know
College housing presents unique fire risks, from cooking accidents to overloaded outlets. These safety tips from the Red Cross of Utah can help reduce hazards and keep students safe:
Home Fire Campaign Saves Lives
Since 2014, the Red Cross has partnered with communities to save nearly 2,400 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. To learn more about the campaign or to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
