Firefighters in Morgantown, W.Va., issued 500 special orders this week, all aimed at stopping arsons before they start.

Drunks, dunces and football fanatics set more than 140 street fires two years ago, after West Virginia University's team upset Virginia Tech in a nationally televised Wednesday night game.

The teams, both undefeated, play again at noon Saturday at Mountaineer Field. Morgantown Fire Chief Dave Fetty said another upset of third-ranked Virginia Tech would be fine by him, but he does not want a repeat of WVU rowdies torching couches and chairs as part of a victory celebration.

Fetty has sent "abatement orders" to residents of the Sunnyside section of town, where most of the trouble occurred after the Mountaineers defeated Virginia Tech 28-7 in 2003. Residents must remove any indoor furniture that has been placed outside.

Those who do not comply face the prospect of city crews hauling away the furniture, starting Friday morning. Violators also will receive citations calling for fines of up to $1,000 for failing to remove a fire hazard.

Fetty said city government is taking a hard line in hopes of heading off postgame crimes.

"We haven't had a big problem with street fires this year, but we have before, in particular with Virginia Tech," he said.

On a typical day, the Morgantown fire department has 11 employees on duty. Twenty-two will work Saturday.

West Virginia State Police also will have a heavier-than-normal presence. First Sgt. Chuck Porter said 55 or 60 troopers typically work a WVU game, mostly in traffic control. He said an extra 20 to 30 troopers will be assigned to the Virginia Tech game.

Inside Mountaineer Field, police and university administrators said in a joint statement, fanaticism is encouraged but rules will be enforced:

"There will be no tolerance for illegal behavior, including rushing the playing field, throwing objects onto the field or possessing alcoholic beverages at the stadium."

But the long West Virginia tradition of allowing fans to leave the stadium at halftime -- during which many drink alcohol in parking lots -- will not be changed for the Virginia Tech game. Those who exit at the half will receive re-entry tickets, said Ken Gray, WVU's vice president for student affairs.

Staff members of the student affairs department are going door to door this week in the Sunnyside neighborhood to drop off information packets encouraging responsible behavior. Possible penalties for students who break the law Saturday will range from loss of privileges at athletic events to expulsion.

"We really want everyone to come to the game and have a great time," Gray said yesterday. "For the most part, we know it's a small group of individuals who have caused problems.

"Let's allow the spotlight to shine on the team, and avoid any type of activity that might mar a great game or possible victory," he said.