Fire rips through Diné College Student Union Building in northeast Arizona

TSAILE, AZ (AZFamily) — Campus is restricted, and students have turned to virtual learning 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) on the school campus in Tsaile, and first responders were dispatched. Flames spread through the building, and smoke was visible for miles.

Emergency personnel worked to quickly contain the blaze, and no injuries were reported. An investigation into what caused the fire is ongoing.

School officials report the 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.

“We are grateful for the swift actions of first responders, faculty, and staff,” said Glennita Haskey, Acting President of Diné College. “The support and resilience of our campus community during this challenging time has been remarkable.”

On Tuesday, Diné College said access to the Tsaile campus is restricted to first responders and residential students.

The cafeteria will be temporarily located at Spruce Hall and will be open throughout the day for meal preparation for residential students. The on-campus post office will be closed until further notice, and all mail services have been temporarily rerouted to the Chinle Post Office.

Food donations can be dropped off at the Incident Command Center at the Security Facility, and cash donations can be received at the finance office.

The 25th Navajo Nation Council released a statement extending its heartfelt support to the students, faculty and staff, as well as gratitude to Najavo Nation police, fire and campus security for their swift and coordinated response.

“Diné College is more than an academic institution — it is a symbol of self-determination and a beacon of opportunity for our people,” said Speaker Crystalyne Curley. “For generations, it has empowered our students to pursue higher education while staying rooted in our culture and language. We stand in solidarity with Diné College and remain committed to supporting the college during this time of recovery. The strength of our Nation is reflected in the strength of our schools.”

The Council says it will remain in close coordination with college leadership and continue monitoring the situation closely.

“This is a tough moment, but we’ll get through it together,” Council Delegate Carl Slater said. “Diné College serves at the heart of our people, and the Council is committed to helping the college recover and move forward — with unity, support, and shared purpose.”

Diné College is continuously posting updates on its Facebook page. Click/tap this link for the latest information.

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