Effects of a Dorm Fire Demonstration

The St. Lawrence University Club Fair on Sept. 5 featured the annual fire safety demonstration. During this demonstration, a fake dorm room was set on fire and then put out by the Canton Fire Department. 

The fire department and SLU Safety and Security team have been putting on this informational event for around 15 to 20 years, according to Chief of Safety and Security Patrick Gagnon. 

The event is meant to spread fire safety awareness, especially to those who are new to campus. “I think it gives them a real-life version of what can happen and how fast fire spreads,” said Gagnon. 

“It’s right in front of you. You can feel the heat and see the fire department putting it out,” said Gagnon. 

However, there were students who voiced concerns over the possible environmental impacts of the demonstration.

But according to Gagnon, the dorm room set they use is mostly made of wood and cardboard, which are normal combustibles. It also contains drywall, which is a general fire retardant, so it most likely does not burn in the demonstration. They use a broken dresser and desk so as not to waste furniture that would typically be in use. “I think we try to be as conscious as we can of that and making sure that we’re not doing something that’s counterproductive to the safety of our environment,” said Gagnon. 

Gagnon also mentioned that the same demonstration dorm room can be used for about four to five years before it needs to be replaced. 

Regarding the risk that the fire demonstration poses to human health, there is no big danger. “You’re taking the same risk if you’re sitting at a fire,” said Amanda Oldacre, Associate Professor in the Chemistry Department, Ph.D. Oldacre said that if the demonstration uses regular cardboard and untreated wood, there are fewer harmful chemicals released into the air. The more harmful toxins would come from burning plastic items or furniture with paint and varnish that typically would be found in a dorm room. 

So, when it comes to the dorm fire demonstration, the environmental risks and harm to human health are low. Toxins could be released into the air if the furniture in the set has varnish, but in the open area where it is conducted, there is less concern for harm to human health than a real dorm fire. 

While the demonstration is important to spread awareness of fire safety, a real dorm fire is much more dangerous. Gagnon said it’s an increasing concern of his, especially in residence halls and theme houses. “When decisions are made that are out of complacency or recklessness, it impacts the lives of everybody inside that residence hall,” said Gagnon.