Massachusetts College Increases Security After Dorm Fires

Massachusetts College Increases Security After Dorm Fires

“We are increasing the number of public safety patrols around campus, all of campus, but in particular, the residence halls,” college official Michael Graca said.

Wheaton College officials are increasing security after a series of residence-hall fires.

At about 12:30 a.m. Monday, Norton, Mass., firefighters responded to a fire at the MacIntire residence hall. It was the third fire in that dorm in 24 hours, following fires set in the second- and third-floor bathrooms of the hall around 6 a.m. Sunday.

Another fire had taken place in the same residence hall last Wednesday.

“I was surprised it happened again,” student Corey Campbell told WHDH. “I just hope they find out who has done it.”

During Sunday’s incident, 100 students were evacuated into buildings nearby. No one was hurt.

The university is increasing security as a result of the fires.

“We are increasing the number of public safety patrols around campus, all of campus, but in particular, the residence halls,” college official Michael Graca said.

Students and staff are required to scan an ID to enter the buildings impacted by the fires.

“It’s just hard to know who is doing it, and how to stop it if we don’t know who is doing it,” Campbell said.

Campus police are asking anyone with information about the fires to contact them.

About the Author

Jessica Davis is the Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media.

Featured

  • Emerging Campus Access Control Solutions

    Emerging solutions in campus access control can mean different things. Usually, we expect the topic to focus on the very latest in door security products and solutions that have just been recently released or are about to be launched. After all, staying up on improvements to keep campuses safer is critical. Plus, it’s always interesting and exciting to learn what’s new and how innovations are going to better protect lives and assets and help the industry be even more successful. Read Now

  • Here’s How Instructional Audio Can Play a Key Role in School Safety

    Ensuring the safety of students and employees is critical in today’s educational environment. While the threat of a school shooting is in the back of everyone’s mind, the truth is there are many possible scenarios that could crop up at any time in classrooms, hallways, and other school spaces—from fights or altercations to a sick child or staff member who requires emergency attention. Read Now

  • The Role of Trusted Access Control and Identity Management

    The diverse and dynamic campus environments of modern post-secondary institutions rely on multiple systems and processes to ensure campus security and operational efficiency. Read Now

  • Survey Shows How K-12 Teachers View School Security

    Teachers are an unmistakably vital part of the K-12 school security equation. And survey results released by Pew Research in April help shine a new light on how teachers view school shooting and security. Read Now

    • Education Security

Webinars