Fire FAQs
Q: I burned something in my oven that created a lot of smoke, but the smoke detector did not work. Is there something wrong with it?
A: No. In many of the dorm kitchen areas, heat detectors have been installed, due to many false alarms from burnt popcorn, etc. The heat detectors are not activated by smoke, but by a certain amount of heat, like the heat generated in a fire.
Q: Am I allowed to have a BBQ grill?
A: Yes. In the trailer court, which is considered to have single family dwellings, you are allowed to store and use up to a 20 lb. propane tank. In all other dorms areas, considered multi-family dwellings, you are allowed to have and store up to two (2) 1 lb. propane cylinders outside of the dwelling, such as on the back porch. These are available at any stores that sell camping gear.
In all cases, when you are using your grill, it must be 25 feet away from any structure. Please use the USU recycle trailer to dispose of the empty 1 lb. cylinders.
Q: Can we get a permit for a bonfire?
A: No. The Utah State Fire Marshalęs office has banned all bonfires, recreational fires, and any open burning on any state owned property. All USU property is owned by the State of Utah, and this ban applies to all USU property.
Q: Am I allowed to use fireworks?
A: For a reasonable amount of time around the fourth of July, you are permitted to use fireworks at an approved location, and can only use fireworks that do not leave the ground, and do not report with a bang. The approved location is in the Romney Stadium parking lot to the west of the stadium. Please use an area that is 50 feet from any vehicles, combustibles, etc. There are no other permitted areas on the USU campus.
Q: I understand that candles are not allowed on campus, am I allowed to use a candlewarmer instead?
A: As of September 2007, the use of candle warmers have been banned by the Utah State Risk Manager's office on all USU owned and leased property. View this webpage to read the official policy.
Q: Am I allowed to use a space heater?
A: USU Facilities has decided not to ban the use of space heaters at this time. However, a policy is close to being adopted by Facilities, The Fire Marshal's office, and the Risk Manager's office which specifies which types of space heaters can be used, and which have been banned from USU property. It is also important to note that the Fire Code does not permit space heaters to be plugged into extension cords or surge protectors/breakered outlet strips, but requires them to be plugged directly into a receptacle.