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

  • How a Rural School District Enhanced Safety, Reduced Vaping, and Improved Efficiency by Modernizing Security

    As educational leaders, our primary mission is creating safe, productive learning environments where our students can thrive. Today, that unfortunately means addressing ever-evolving challenges that range from security threats to the growing epidemic of student vaping, all while managing tight budgets and (for many of us) geographically dispersed facilities. Read Now

  • Turning Surveillance Into Strategy: AI’s Role in Driving Proactive Security

    Video surveillance has long been part of the campus safety toolkit, indispensable for investigating security incidents after they occur and a valuable tool for proactive deterrent. Read Now

  • A.C. Camargo Cancer Center Enhances Security, Patient Care with Help from Advanced Video Surveillance

    A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, a leading oncology treatment center in São Paulo, Brazil recognized for its history of innovation, today announced that its partnership with Axis Communications has produced savings of more than $2 million over its first two years, all of which will be reinvested in patient care. A.C. Camargo has deployed more than 2,000 state-of-the-art video surveillance cameras throughout the Center’s corridors, complex care units, and parking lots, embracing a more holistic approach to security that emphasizes patient and employee safety along with improved quality of service. Read Now

  • 2025 Secure Campus Award Winners Announced

    Campus Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 Secure Campus Award winners. Twenty companies are being recognized this year for products that help keep education and business campuses safe. Read Now