On January 1, 2013, a fire tore through an off campus home housing University of Cincinnati students at 2824 Digby Avenue in Cincinnati, Ohio. In the wake of this fire, one student, 21 year old Chad Kohls, perished after a week long struggle to overcome the injuries he sustained from the fire. It is with deep sorrow that the Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS) announces the passing of a second victim: On Monday January 14th, 20 year old Ellen Garner lost her life as a result of this tragic incident.
The fire is believed to have started in a second story bedroom, where a space heater was left perilously close to bedding material. Of the house’s seven occupants at the time of the fire, Chad and Ellen were critically injured, a third victim was treated for minor injuries, and four occupants escaped unscathed.
The United States Fire Administration recommends that you:
- Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
- Keep anything that can burn such as bedding, clothing and curtains at least three feet away.
- Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory and with an automatic shut-off so that if they tip over, they shut off.
- Plug portable heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
CCFS reflects on this tragedy and also wants to remind everyone of the importance of properly installing and maintaining smoke detectors and other fire prevention equipment, in accordance with prescribed codes and standards. But let’s look beyond requirements and ask ourselves what else we can do to avoid potential loss of life from fire.
- Keep a portable fire extinguisher on every floor – and be sure it is fully charged. A fire extinguisher is useful for fires smaller than a wastebasket. Before using a fire extinguisher call 9-1-1 and sound the fire alarm. If a small incipient fire cannot be controlled, or if it becomes larger than a wastebasket, exit the building immediately.
- Plan your escape routes – Identify windows, and doors, know two ways out and determine an escape route before the fire.
- Keep an emergency escape ladder on upper floors – plan a safe escape route for windows.
- Keep escape routes clear – do not allow objects to be stored in halls or stairwells.
- Inspect the exterior door at bottom of stairwell. It must be able to be opened without a key from the inside. Door cannot be blocked by snow, cars or other objects.
- Choose a meeting place in advance – Pick a highly visible area, a safe distance away from the flames, to meet in case of fire related emergency.
- Be prepared – Practice your emergency exit routes with each occupant. Practice crawling low to avoid toxic smoke from a fire. Practice feeling doors for heat before opening doors. Practice opening windows and using an emergency escape ladder.
81 fatal fires have been documented that occurred on a college campus, in Greek housing or in off-campus housing within 3-miles of the campus – claiming a total of 118 victims.
- 68 fires have occurred in off-campus housing claiming 99 victims
- 7 fires have occurred in on-campus building or residence halls claiming 9 victims
- 6 fires have occurred in Greek housing claiming 10 victims
CCFS has been documenting specific campus related fires deaths since Year 2000. Current and more detailed statistics, along with the definition of how we define “campus related fires” are always posted on the website, along with a host of fire safety resources and tips for fire safety professionals as well as students in both universities and off-campus housing. One of the resources includes a daily and ongoing listing of other fire incidents in the higher education arena.
To learn more about CCFS and its programs, visit www.campusfiresafety.org.
For additional information:
Fire Fatality Statistics and Definition:
http://www.campusfiresafety.org/firefatalitystatistics
Continual e-news -campus fire & safety:
http://www.campusfiresafety.org/News
Campus Fire Safety Resources: http://www.campusfiresafety.org/resources
About The Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS)
The Center for Campus Fire Safety (CCFS) is a non-profit, member focused organization devoted to reducing the loss of life from fire at our nation’s campuses. The mission of The Center for Campus Fire Safety is to serve as an advocate for the promotion of campus fire safety. CCFS serves as the focal point for the efforts of a number of organizations and also as a clearinghouse for information relating to campus fire safety. Visit us at www.campusfiresafety.org for more information.
Media Contacts
The Center for Campus Fire Safety | 978.961.0410
Paul D. Martin, President, pmatin@campusfiresafety.org
Cathy Tabor, Director of Marketing Communications, ctabor@campusfiresafety.org