Space heater sparks fire in Shaw University dorm with inspection violations, ABC11 I-Team finds

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Fire officials say a space heater powered by an extension cord started a fire Wednesday inside room 313 at Shaw University’s Dimple Newsome Living and Learning Center.

Within four minutes, firefighters were on the scene and found students evacuating. There was heavy smoke found on the third floor, according to the fire report. The smoke alarm did not sound, students told Eyewitness News.

“The person on the third floor tried to pull the smoke alarm. It did not work,” one student said. “He had to go door to door to get people out.”

Parents and students say this dormitory does not have heat or hot water.

The I-Team has learned that the last state-mandated fire inspection was completed on December 30, 2025. The fire safety inspection report lists Shaw University as having six violations, including maintenance and testing schedules and procedures for fire alarms and detection systems. The university won’t face a fine because it is the first violation. As of Friday, the HBCU had not scheduled an inspection.

“We’re pretty much being kicked out. We don’t know when we’ll be able to come back,” another student said.

Some students said they were moving back in with their parents because the university told them to evacuate the dorms.

“There should have been some sort or back up or something,” said a student. ” It’s a fire. You should have a backup plan.”

Shaw University released the following statement to ABC11:

The well-being of our students and campus community remains our highest priority. A fire occurred on campus last evening in one of our residential facilities. The incident was contained to a single room and was promptly addressed. The University is actively arranging alternative housing accommodations for the students impacted. The residence hall will remain closed while thorough assessments and necessary repairs are completed.

Editor’s Note: Featured video is from a previous report.