The potential threat of college dormitory fires is often not taken seriously enough by students until it is too late. Campus authorities and students sometimes let their guard down because of the high frequency of pranks and false alarms. On April 12, 1987, in Williams Hall of Wesley College, Dover, Delaware, and on April 28, 1987, in Frazer Dormitory of Longwood College, Farmville, Virginia, fires occurred that killed one student and injuried 19. While the fires differ, they have several important aspects in common.