Reporter-News photo by Nellie Doneva A simulated dorm room was set on fire in the mall area at Abilene Christian University to show students how quickly a fire can spread.

Reporter-News photo by Nellie Doneva Abilene Christian University students try to get a better view of the demonstration involving a simulated dorm room.

A simulated college dormitory room was standing in the mall area at Abilene Christian University on Monday.

The floor was littered with clothes, papers, books and other items -- clean for a dorm, more than one person commented.

A lighted match was dropped into a trash can in the room. Within two minutes, windows had broken from the heat and flames and smoke were pouring from the structure.

The event was a demonstration of what can happen if students are not careful.

Showing students is more effective than just telling them about the dangers of using candles and other things that can catch a dorm room on fire, said Lynne Bruton, director of public relations for ACU.

The speed of the flames surprised many observers.

"I thought it was really interesting how it spread so fast," said Jennalee Sharp, a McKinney freshman.

"It was just crazy how things can catch on fire so quickly."

"I didn't know the carpet would catch on fire like that," said Abilene freshman Brennen McMullin.

Brittany Godfrey, a freshman from McKinney, was surprised "to see how fast it caught and how much time you have to get out. I never realized how much time you really don't have."

One person in the crowd commented sarcastically, "I'm not likely to throw a lighted match into my trash can." But other common activities can start a fire just as effectively.

"Candles (which they're not supposed to have) can start fires like this," said John Gallagher, firefighter and public information officer for the Abilene Fire Department. "If they run five or six things from one extension cord, that can cause a fire. Coffee makers, toasters -- things they don't think will do anything will cause it. Electricity is one of the biggest causes; shorts and stuff like that will do it."