HomeMy WebLinkAboutOff Campus Fire Safety Press Release
City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Jake Omodt, Communications Intern
Phone 952-833-9522 commintern@EdinaMN.gov EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fire-Rescue & Inspections Department Cautions Off-Campus
Students of Fire Hazards
Edina, Minn., Aug. 22, 2017 – Each year, there are more than 3,800 fires in off-campus houses and
residences across all college and university campuses. These fires result in about 50 injuries, five deaths and
$26 million in property loss and damages.
Edina Fire Marshal Rick Hammerschmidt expressed the danger of fires in off-campus living, saying, “We see a
spike in fires in the off-campus housing in September and October because it’s when most students go back to
school and for most of them, it’s a new experience. We just want them to have knowledge about fire safety
and to be safe.”
Hammerschmidt also shared the major causes of off-campus fires. “A major cause is cooking and then leaving
the kitchen unattended, improper disposal of smoking material or becoming impaired from alcohol
consumption while cooking or smoking,” he said. “We also see candles starting fires because students light
them and then leave them unattended, so we suggest battery-powered candles.”
Hammerschmidt also suggested students test their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and said having
a fire extinguisher easily accessible isn’t a bad idea, either.
Fires can quickly engulf a house. Hammerschmidt stated, “We say fires can double in size or even triple in size
in a minute.” Because of this, it is very important college students plan a meeting point outside with
roommates to ensure all have gotten out of the residence safely. Other tips include making sure all windows
and doors work, making sure basement windows meet egress requirements so you can get out of your
window quickly, not overloading electrical outlets and never smoking inside.
For more information on fire safety and potential fire hazards, contact the Fire-Rescue & Inspections
Department at 952-826-0330 or visit EdinaMN.gov/Fire.
-30-