March 09, 2001

WKU Establishes Fire
Safety Committee

Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University has established a Fire Safety Committee to help deal with a rash of arson cases on campus.

The committee is comprised of representatives from WKU Police, Housing and Residence Life, Environmental Health and Safety and the Division of Public Affairs.

"This committee will allow us to effectively share information about these incidents and devise the best ways of dealing with them," said Bob Deane, WKU Police chief. "We at Western are committed to providing a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors."

There have been four cases of arson reported in Florence Schneider Hall since Feb. 19. In each case there was little or no damage, Deane said.

"Even though the fires have been minor, this is very serious," Deane said. "Once caught, we intend to fully prosecute whoever is responsible."

The University is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arsonist's arrest. In addition, the fires have been featured on Crime Stoppers, which also offers a $1,000 reward.

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