25 Years Later: Survivors Reflect on Seton Hall Dorm Fire That Killed 3 and Injured 58

It’s been 25 years since the devastating fire at Seton Hall University’s Boland Hall on the morning of January 19, 2000, but for survivors like Alvaro Llanos and Shawn Simons, the memories of that fateful night remain vivid.

“I saw a fireball from the corner of my eye. It hit my back, and I was immediately set on fire,” Llanos recalls, the pain of that day still fresh in his mind. “We didn’t expect the darkness that was waiting for us behind those doors.” The fire, set by two of their classmates, left 58 students injured and tragically claimed the lives of three others: Frank, Aaron, and John.

At the time, Llanos and Simons were 18 years old and had only been roommates for five months. They were in their dorm room when the fire broke out. The intensity of the smoke and flames was overwhelming. “Our adrenaline was pumping. Our first instincts were to get on our hands and knees and try to find a way out,” Llanos said, reflecting on their frantic escape. “That’s what we did.”

Simons, who was also severely injured, still remembers the friends they lost. “I always say there are certain things that I wish I could have changed that night,” he said. “I wish we could have somehow protected our three classmates.” The survivors have dedicated themselves to honoring the memory of those who perished, sharing their story of survival and perseverance to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

A Life-Changing Experience

Llanos and Simons, both of whom suffered serious injuries from the fire, have made it their mission to promote fire safety and share their life-changing experience with others. Llanos, who endured third-degree burns from the waist up, says he was given a second chance at life, and he is determined to make the most of it. “I hope to bring my real-life experience to students,” he said. “I want to inspire others and help them understand how crucial it is to be prepared for a fire.”

The two friends now tour high schools and colleges, offering valuable lessons about fire safety. “We hope that some of the tips we provide to them, they never have to use,” Llanos added. “But we want them to keep fire safety in the forefront of their minds.”

The tragic fire led to significant changes in fire safety laws. In the wake of the Boland Hall fire, New Jersey passed a law requiring all dormitories to install sprinkler systems. “That law was a direct result of what happened that night,” Simons explained. “It’s something we’re very proud of, but there’s still more work to do.”

Advocating for Change

Despite the progress made in New Jersey, Simons points out that only three states in the U.S. have laws requiring fire sprinklers in dormitories. He is now working to get similar laws passed at the federal level to protect students across the country. “A lot of students graduating from high school may be going out of state to school, and they could end up in dorms that don’t have sprinklers,” Simons said. “We need to make sure all students are safe, no matter where they go.”

Each year, Seton Hall University holds a remembrance Mass to honor the survivors and those who lost their lives in the fire. The Mass is a somber reminder of the tragedy and the ongoing need for fire safety awareness. For Llanos and Simons, it is also a moment to reflect on how far they’ve come and the lives they’ve touched with their message of hope.

“We don’t want anyone to go through what we went through,” Llanos said. “Our goal is to make sure this never happens again.”

A Legacy of Survival and Safety

The fire at Seton Hall’s Boland Hall remains one of the deadliest dormitory fires in U.S. history. For the survivors, the scars—both physical and emotional—will never fully fade. But through their work and advocacy, Llanos and Simons are turning their pain into purpose, helping to ensure that future generations of students will have a better chance of surviving such a tragedy.

Their efforts to improve fire safety laws and educate young people about the importance of fire preparedness are a testament to the resilience and strength that they, and the entire Seton Hall community, have shown in the face of unspeakable loss.

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