An examination was made of five major campus fires between 1971 and 1983 in an attempt to better understand the fire hazards associated with the operation of a modern U.S. college or university campus. Overall research revealed a general lack of interest in campus fire safety by colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Analysis of the five campus fires clearly revealed that in each instance it was possible to identify poor architectural advice which resulted in improper construction, protection, or use of the building. Furthermore, it was found that building codes often do not fully recognize the needs of the nontraditional and handicapped student in the event of a fire. It is crucial that the architect provide sound advice to the administrator in the designing of adequate construction and development of fire protection plans. Equally important is the need for the campus administrator to develop complete emergency preparedness plans, to institute a program of hazard recognition, and to control and monitor campus building use. Protection plans should: (1) assure the safety of all persons using the facilities; (2) assure the mission of the institution; and (3) minimize damage to the facilities. Contains 29 references. (GLR)