B.J. Daniels

FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2015 file photo, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver B.J. Daniels rides through a hallway at CenturyLink Field on an electric self-balancing scooter commonly called a "hoverboard," as he arrives for an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Seattle. Western New England University has joined colleges across the county in banning or limiting hoverboards on their campuses, saying the two-wheeled, motorized scooters are unsafe. Beyond the risk of falls and collisions, colleges are citing warnings from federal authorities that some of the self-balancing gadgets have caught on fire. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

(Elaine Thompson)

SPRINGFIELD -- Western New England University has banned the use, possession and storage of hoverboards in university-owned or managed buildings, including residence and dining halls and from university grounds.

In doing so, Western New England joins colleges and universities across the county. University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College and Boston College already have announced their bans.

Western New England, like many colleges and universities, starts its spring semester next week, and students start moving back into dorms this weekend.

"We wanted to get the message out so that they know if they got one over the holidays not to bring it with them," Western New England spokesman

Brian Zelasko said.

The hoverboards have been known to catch fire while charging.

Western New England Vice President and Dean of Students Jeanne Hart-Steffes distributed the following notice to students:

"Happy New Year Golden Bears! We can't wait to see you- but please leave your hoverboards at home.

Because of fire concerns, the use, possession, or storage of hoverboards is prohibited in university-owned or managed buildings, including residence and dining halls. Residential students should not bring them to campus; they are not permitted in university housing. Like other prohibited items, if found, these items will be confiscated.

This policy is effective immediately.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is investigating the safety of hoverboards and their potential to overheat and catch fire. The National Fire Protection Association has also issued a warning on the popular recreational device. Thus far, 22 hoverboards have caught on fire in 17 states and those numbers will likely increase. Due to this risk to the public, several major US airlines have banned hoverboards on planes. Rail and bus lines are considering similar action.

Western New England University has joined many colleges and universities across the country and internationally in restricting or banning their presence on campus for the safety of our community."

The ban from university grounds means commuters can't bring them either, even if they plan to keep them outside, Zelasko said.

Western New England University has a 215-acre campus in Springfield's Sixteen Acres neighborhood and serves 3,870 students, including 2,590 full-time undergraduate students. Undergraduate, graduate and professional programs are offered through Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy and the School of Law.