Yale University's candle policy strictly prohibits candles, burnt or
unburnt, within the dormitories. We can fine $100 per student, per candle
if caught. But, this only applies to Undergraduate Dorms. We also allow the
"responsible" and "mature" adults to use candles only for religious
purposes, used within a sprinkled building, not in excess numbers, must
always be attended, and used in a safe manner. We have had very few
accidents with this policy. As I do agree that it only takes one time to
have a major disaster, we as administrators also have to allow for
religious freedom and expression.   I think the choice as to whether to
allow candle use on campus for religious purposes boils down more to the
location that they are to be used and the fire protection that the location
has. As a reference, only about 10 out of our 300+ buildings do not have
fire alarms with automatic smoke detection. Further, all of our
undergraduate dorms and approx. 60% of our other building are fully
sprinkled and have full smoke detection.

Michael Fox
Dep. Fire Inspector
Yale University
Office of the Fire Marshal
314 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06515
voice: 203-432-9924
fax: 203-432-8937
email: [log in to unmask]