Seton Hall University Fire Survivors Speak to Local College, High School Students

Several hundred people, including college and high school students, gathered on the Caldwell University campus for two presentations from survivors of the January 2000 Seton Hall University fire.

Alvaro Llanos and Shawn Simons spoke at the university, presenting messages of fire safety, hope, perseverance, friendship and overcoming adversity, according to a press release from Caldwell University. University students and employees, high school students from West Essex, James Caldwell and Mount Saint Dominic Academy, and fire officials from across the state were in attendance.

Llanos and Simons spoke about the fire and their experiences, including their recovery after the Jan. 19, 2000, arson fire that killed three Seton Hall students and injured 58 other people, the release said. The two spoke about the importance of fire alarms, planning for an escape during a fire and the devastation pranks can cause.

Additionally, Llanos and Simons presented the documentary “After the Fire: A True Story of Heroes and Cowards”, which details their struggles for surival following the fire.

Kathleen Mele, a senior at Caldwell University, said Llanos and Simons’ presentation was inspiring and eye-opening. “If I am ever going through something hard, I’m going to think of their story,” she said.

Melissa Miele, also a senior at the university, said she will take every fire alarm seriously. “It was real,” Miele said. “You think it could not happen, but it could.”

The presentation was organized by the Caldwell University Office of Safety and Security. Director Glenn Gates appreciated having fire officials from across the state in attendance.

“Caldwell University has an excellent working relationship with the Caldwell Fire Department,” Gates said. “We meet regularly to discuss training, upcoming fire evacuation drills, and overall fire safety for our campus community.”

(Image and information courtesy of Caldwell University)