School officials torched a makeshift dorm room recently at the University of Albany — and they invited students to watch it burn. 

But there’s no need to worry: September is recognized as National Campus Fire Safety Month, and the school’s unconventional bonfire was a planned event.

School officials built the 8-by-12 structure — and then set it on fire to show students how quickly dorms can burn to the ground.

Here are the nationwide dorm-fire stats from 2003 to 2006, provided by university officials:

• Each year, fire departments responded to an average of 3,570 fires in dorm rooms, fraternity and sorority houses.
• These fires caused an average of seven deaths and 54 injuries annually.
• Property damage averaged $29.4 million every year.
• 75% of the fires were cooking-related.
• Most likely time for fires: between 5 and 11 p.m. and on weekends.

The Center for Campus Fire Safety offers free resources for students and school officials here. What does your school do to promote fire safety? Let us know in the comments section below.

Tags: Campus Safety, dormitories, fire prevention, National Campus Fire Safety, University of Albany