Fire Incident Reporting and Investigation Procedures

Comprehensive documentation and thorough analysis are fundamental to advancing our safety mission. This section details the official protocols for fire reporting and investigations. By establishing the origin and cause of every fire-related event, we not only fulfill legal obligations but also ensure public safety. We also gain critical insights to perform preventive measures and strengthen protection for the Texas A&M community.

Reporting

Report any fire, no matter how small or where it is—including fires on Public-Private Partnership (P-3) properties—to EHS at 979-845-2132 (or 979-862-1111 after hours) right away. EHS will investigate the situation and contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office if needed.

If you discover a fire in any facility, follow these steps:

  • Find and quickly use the nearest manual pull station, usually by exits, to start a building evacuation.

  • Call 911 right away to report a fire, explosion, medical emergency, or other serious event. Be ready to give:

    • Your name

    • Building name and address

    • Room number

    • Type of emergency

    • Any injuries

    • Any other information requested by the emergency operator

If you know how to use a fire extinguisher and it is safe to do so, you may try to put out the fire—but only if it is safe to do so.

Click below for simple tips on using fire extinguishers.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

Arson

If you suspect arson, even in a small fire, immediately call 911 first. After calling 911, notify both the University Police Department and Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). Do not disturb the fire scene unless needed to put out an ongoing fire. The University Fire Marshal and University Police Department will manage all arson investigations to ensure lawful and impartial procedures.

Report a Crime to UPD

 

Investigations

EHS must be notified immediately of any fire at Texas A&M, regardless of size, location, or property ownership. EHS will then conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with state protocols, including site assessment, evidence documentation, and interviews as needed. EHS collaborates with campus police, local fire authorities, and the State Fire Marshal’s Office to ensure a complete review. Investigation results help fulfill legal requirements and provide recommendations to enhance campus safety and fire prevention.

Oversight in Public-Private Partnerships (P-3)

Texas A&M University has entered into several Public-Private Partnership (P-3) ventures, each with its own unique operating/management agreements. Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Fire and Life Safety (FLS) has been tasked with overseeing these programs from a fire and life safety perspective. Duties and responsibilities are identified in the program document.

Higher Education Opportunity Act

Texas A&M University complies with the Higher Education Opportunity Act by disclosing fire safety details for all on-campus student housing. Requirements include a public fire log, an annual report with policy statements and fire statistics for each facility, and notification to prospective students and employees about the report. The report states the number and causes of fires, injuries, and deaths, as well as property damage. Each fall, fire statistics for the preceding calendar year are submitted to the Department of Education.

Useful Resource Links

Annual Fire Safety Report on Student Housing - College Station  
Annual Fire Safety Report on Student Housing - Galveston