Some students at Shaw University are having to move out of their dorm on Friday after a fire there last night.
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The Raleigh Fire Department said the fire was reported around 7:15 p.m. at Dimple Newsome Dorm. The building was evacuated and crews found a fire in a room on the third floor.
There was moderate damage to the room. The damage was confined to the third floor, according to a city spokesperson.
The city spokesperson said the cause of the fire is not related to an electrical system.
One student told WRAL News that university leadership told them they needed to move out and go home on Friday.
On Friday, Shaw University provided a statement about the fire.
"The university is actively arranging alternative housing accommodations for the students impacted," the university's statement reads. "The residence hall will remain closed while thorough assessments and necessary repairs are completed."
The city spokesperson said Dimple Newsome Dorm last had an inspection on Dec. 30, 2025. It was built in 1970.
Fire appeared to be an accident
Authorities said the fire appeared to be an accidental electrical fire but could not confirm exact materials that were ignited.
Students on the scene told WRAL News the person whose dorm caught on fire was using a space heater since the building was having heating issues.
“The rooms have no heat so they are like freezing cold so he probably had a heater and maybe left it on a little too long and it caught on his sheet and it caught on the bed and everything,” said freshman student Cayden Brown.
Students said that when they attempted to pull the fire alarm, it did not work. Students said they then went door-to-door alerting people about the fire.
WRAL News previously reported in 2024 about students going days with heat and hot water in a residence hall.
Students now say they are upset, and call the living conditions unacceptable.
Shaw University officials said in a statement they are aware of the heating and hot water issues affecting one of the dorms and are working to resolve them.
"The University takes these concerns seriously, and the health, safety, and well-being of our students remain our highest priority," the statement read in part.
Officials said extreme winter temperatures have placed an unusually high demand the school's systems. Officials said they are responding with "an enhanced, around-the-clock support plan."
