Campus is closed after an early morning fire tore through one of the buildings at Diné College on the Navajo Nation in northeast Arizona. Around 2:15 a.m. on Monday, a fire alert was triggered at the Student Union Building (SUB) and the school campus in Tsaile, and first responders were dispatched. Flames spread through the building, and smoke was visible for miles.
School officials report propane service was impacted, leaving dorms and other housing without heating or cooking capabilities. As a result, the campus was closed and classes were transitioned online. Cold meals were provided to students and staff earlier in the day and college operations were relocated to Spruce Hall, where a generator was set up to provide lighting and heat.
As of 1 p.m., the college reports that the fire has still not been fully contained. Area residents, students and staff were urged to avoid the campus until the all-clear is given. The 25th Navajo Nation Council released a statement extending its heartfelt support to the students, faculty and staff, as well as gratitude to Navajo Nation police, fire and campus security for their swift and coordinated response.
