Millikin University hosts 9th annual fire safety event

DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) — Millikin University hosted its annual fire safety drive on Monday. Staff passed out fire alarms and fire extinguishers for students who live off campus.

It’s all a part of the Nick Project . Sophia Schwalbach started it over 20 years ago in memory of her brother, who died in a house fire.

More than 30 students came to pick up equipment that could prevent them from being victims of a fire. One student said he experienced something similar at a young age.

“House actually did catch fire when I was in kindergarten,” Kerrigan Dunham said. “We were out at a Cub Scout meeting on a Friday night and one of the lighters in our basement, like in my dad’s workshop, had stayed on or was triggered somehow.”

Dunham said dealing with a traumatic experience like that makes him more cautious.

This was the ninth year of the event, and university officials have a goal of providing more equipment next year.

The money for the fire equipment came from the school-endowed fund. People can learn more about the Nick Project on Millikin University’s website .

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