Discarded smoldering material was the likely cause of a basement fire in Rhodes Hall Saturday night. A security officer noticed smoke coming from the building around 11:00 p.m. and immediately grabbed the fire extinguisher to put out the fire while the Brunswick Fire Department was called.
Minutes after receiving the alert, the fire department put out the remaining flames and cleared the basement of smoke.
"It has been determined that the fire was most likely cause by a smoldering material discarded in the area by the entrance and blown by the wind into the corner of the building," said Director of Security Bruce Boucher.
Boucher indicated that people should be careful and take extra precautions during this time of year, because the dry air increases the chance of fire.
"We at Security would like to remind all on campus to be extra vigilant concerning fire prevention during this very 'dry' season," he said.
"The fire conditions for most of the State of Maine, including Brunswick, are very high now due to lack of rain this spring," said Boucher.
Boucher noted that smoking materials are the leading cause of fire deaths and the third leading cause of fire injuries in the U.S and that the most common material first ignited in residential smoking material-related fires was mattresses and bedding, followed by trash and upholstered furniture.
Other fire hazards are candles and unattended cooking, Boucher said. In addition, students should be aware of these facts and take precautions, because dormitory settings and off-campus living spaces are not exceptions for the rules.