Theatrical smoke raises fire awareness at colleges

0 Comments | USA TODAY, October, 2007 | by Heather Collura

Fake smoke is being used to add a touch of realism to fire drills at some universities across the USA.

The University of Kentucky started using non-toxic theatrical smoke in training programs for residence advisers three years ago and now is using it in three residence-hall fire drills per semester.

West Virginia University and the University of Colorado at Boulder also are using theatrical smoke to add realism to fire-safety-training programs, though not yet not during actual drills.

"Everyone gets used to the mundane routine of exiting a building," says Lexington, Ky., Fire Chief Bob Hendricks. "When you then add in an additional element, it makes it more realistic."

Sherry Kenyon, fire-safety coordinator for the Boulder, Colo., fire...