UNL And Wesleyan Updating Sprinkler Systems In Residence Halls

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is joining Nebraska Wesleyan University in updating residence hall sprinkler systems.

In November, NWU student Ryan Stewart of Ord was killed in a fire at Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, which did not have sprinklers.

Construction on NWU's Centennial Hall sprinkler system began in December, said Michael Marion of Ahern Fire Protection.

UNL is working on updating some residence halls with sprinkler systems.

"They're trying to do everything they can," said Doug Zatechka, the director of University Housing.

University Housing has not decided whether to install sprinkler systems in Burr and Fedde residence halls on East Campus because those halls may be demolished in two to four years.

"If we do keep them, we'd put in sprinkler systems" as part of the renovations, he said.

Zatechka said the decisions are based on recommendations he makes to the chancellor, vice chancellors and the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. The final decision, he said, rests with the regents.

University Housing plans to finish installing a sprinkler system in Selleck Residence Hall before summer, he said.

Fire inspector Rick Campos said some of the leading causes of fire are arson, cigarette smoking and cooking.

UNL's housing contract forbids students from smoking in dorms or within 10 feet of buildings, including entrances.

Zatechka said people should assume that when the fire alarm rings, it's real, and they should immediately exit the building.

"The biggest problem is there are not many fires," he said. "They are rare, and people can get lulled into a sense of there never being a problem."

Dining Guide

• Lincoln
• Omaha
• Greater NE

Calendar

• Lincoln
• Omaha
• Greater NE