Officials: Univ. Fire Might Be Arson



                                        Updated 7:47 PM ET January 4, 2001

  By AMY WESTFELDT, Associated Press Writer

  NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - An open flame ignited a couch in a dormitory lounge and
  caused a fire that killed three students and injured 62 people at Seton Hall
University last year, prosecutors said Thursday.

  Essex County Prosecutor Donald Campolo said investigators have been
gathering
  evidence on the Jan. 19, 2000, blaze under the assumption that the fire was
arson. He did not name suspects or announce charges.

  "Our objective was not to seek a quick resolution, but a correct one,"
Campolo said as he released the first public details of the investigation.

  Investigators ruled out electrical problems or a smoldering cigarette as
possible causes, Campolo said. No accelerants were found.

  The Star-Ledger of Newark, quoting unidentified sources close to the
investigation,reported Thursday that the probe was focused on two students who
were drinking and roughhousing to celebrate a victory of the school's
basketball team.

  The two have denied setting the fire, the newspaper said.

  Witnesses have identified students who were in a lounge minutes before the
fire, but authorities have been unable to get enough evidence to make an
arrest, the newspaper reported.

  Investigators said the fire began when an open flame set a couch on fire in
the student lounge. Two other couches also caught fire.

  Three freshmen died after intense heat and heavy smoke spread throughout the
  dormitory floor. Four of the 58 injured students were critically burned, and
four police officers and firefighters were also hurt.

Doug Gordner, Life Safety Inspector
Ithaca College Campus Safety
Life Safety Division
101 Safety Building
Ithaca, New York 14850
(607)-274-1846
(607)-274-1868 (fax)
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