LETTER: Fire extinguishers valuable
To the editor:
I am appalled at the decisions of the university and of the USU fire Marshal. I feel I can sum up their statements as “Because the law doesn’t require it, we won’t do it.” Where is the supposed deep concern for student safety? The fire marshal claims reasons of vandalism, the intended purpose of fire extinguishers, and lack of training as the reasons for not having them installed in the parking terrace. It is true that fire extinguishers are not meant for ALL fires, but there are thousands every month throughout the nation that ARE SUCCESSFULLY used on by people other than certified fire fighters.
I doubt the USU student body lacks so much common sense as to charge into a fire and harm themselves simply because a fire extinguisher is available. The fire marshal was even quoted as saying he didn’t want students to use an extinguisher. And the “fear” of vandalism is EASILY and for MINIMAL cost fixed by a fire extinguisher cabinet, such as is used in many public places.
It saddens me to see the university show such an open lack of concern for student safety. I feel the underlying reason comes down to money. It appears to me the university would rather call the students vandals and cretins rather than spend a few hundred dollars on fire extinguishers.
Oh, and for the record, I not only am trained on the use and operation of fire extinguishers, I also train others to use them as part my job working with a fire extinguisher company. So, as a student who feels insulted by the university, I will offer extinguisher use training to any student who wants it, and will even let you use one as part of that training. Even if the university feels you can’t handle an extinguisher, I feel you can and should not only know how, but actually have had practical experience using one.
Brian Packer