Scorch marks stain the outside edges of a Bryan Hall door, and the stench of smoke lingers in the hallway, after an entire room was destroyed by flame and smoke.
An unattended candle was responsible.
Candles in dorm rooms are not allowed, according to University Housing rules. Every student who lives in a residence hall is required to follow these conditions by signing a contract each fall.
A third-floor room fire in Bryan Hall on Friday was caused by an unattended candle. The fire was contained to one room. No injuries occurred, but the estimated property damage could be as high as $10,000.
The no-candle rule is in place "for this very reason," said Angela Brown, director of University Housing.
"If we see a candle that's lit, it will be removed," she said.
However, the candles must first be brought to the attention of the housing staff in order for the rule to be enforced.
"I know people don't take that rule seriously," preveterinary medicine freshman Al Hilarides said. "Nobody thinks (a fire) could happen to them."
University Housing staff cannot enter a residence hall room without probable cause that a candle will ignite a fire, Brown said, adding that it is up to students to be responsible for following the rules.
Environmental studies freshman Anne Shea said she lights candles in her room.
"But they're only lit for a short amount of time to make the room smell good," Shea said. "They're never lit when I'm not there."
Other students said they realize the danger of lighting candles in their rooms and choose to obey the rule.
"I know people who've had experiences with (fire)," premedical freshman Rachel Sherman said, adding that one of her friends "torched" a mattress before. "It's really dangerous."
However, Sherman said, if students have their doors shut and choose to light a candle, "No one would ever know."
"People have to be on the honor system," she said. "You have to trust that people will think of other people."
Matt Ryerkerk, a mechanical engineering junior, said he has also lit candles before, but "it's student responsibility" to be safe.
"There's always a possibility that something could go wrong," Ryerkerk said.
In the case that a candle causes a fire, the students will face consequences within the university, said Diane Barker, manager of the Brody Complex, which is home to six residence halls including Bryan Hall.
"It's up to us to determine (punishment)," said Barker, who declined to comment on what specific processes are involved or what punishments are given.
"Students have to be mindful of what they do in their rooms and know that it affects the community," Barker said.
Although they do happen, dorm room fires do not occur very often. Bryan Hall's fire was the second residence hall fire this year, Brown said. The first was in a Wonders Hall room in September.
"Luckily we've not had any serious injuries nor fatalities (in dorm fires)," Brown said. "We take no chances."
