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.

  • By Jessica Davis
  • December 04, 2018

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.

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