Students “After the Fire” Program
City of Summit
Summit High School seniors attended a fire safety presentation on Tuesday, March 15. Members of the Summit Fire Department were joined by Alvaro Llanos and Shawn Simons, burn victims from the January 2000 arson fire at Seton Hall University.
Alvaro Llanos and Shawn Simons shared their experience of being college burn victims. Two students set fire to a banner on a bulletin board as a prank in the third floor lounge of a six-story freshman residence hall. The resulting fire ultimately killed three students and left 56 students and firefighters injured. Shawn and Alvaro were among four victims who were left severely burned. Mr. Simons suffered third degree burns on his hands and first and second degree burns on his head and face, with a total of 16% of his body burned. Mr. Llanos suffered burns on 56% of his body.
Mr. Simons and Mr. Llanos speak nationally at colleges, high schools, and fire safety training seminars, advocating for fire safety and prevention. They strive to inspire burn victims and others to overcome obstacles and show that there is life “After the Fire.”
SFD Chief Eric Evers and Deputy Chief Paul Imbimbo discussed fire safety tips and information for college campuses and apartments with students. Resources are available on the city website. The Summit Fire Department provides fire safety education and training programs to schools, scout troops, church and senior citizen groups, local businesses, and civic groups. Call the department at 908-277-9358 to schedule a program.
Photo by City of Summit
