Fire Breaks Out in Troubled Shaw University Dorm

Students forced to evacuate amid ongoing heating and water issues at Dimple Newsom Residence Hall

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:23pm

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A fire broke out in a dorm room at Shaw University's Dimple Newsom Residence Hall on Thursday night, forcing students to evacuate the building. The dorm has been plagued by heating and hot water problems all winter long, adding to the disruption caused by the fire. No injuries were reported, but the room where the fire started suffered significant damage, with nearby rooms also sustaining minor smoke damage.

Why it matters

The fire at the Dimple Newsom Residence Hall highlights the ongoing challenges facing Shaw University students, who have had to deal with substandard living conditions in the dorm throughout the winter. The incident raises questions about the university's ability to provide safe and comfortable housing for its students.

The details

According to the Raleigh Fire Department, the fire was an accidental electrical issue that was mostly contained to one dorm room. Students were alerted to the fire through a group chat and evacuated the building. Many gathered at a nearby McDonald's while the fire was being extinguished.

  • The fire broke out shortly after 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Raleigh Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to the fire at the Shaw University dorm.

Shaw University

The historically Black university located in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the fire occurred in one of its dormitories.

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What’s next

The fire department is investigating the exact cause of the accidental electrical fire. Shaw University has not yet commented on the incident or the ongoing heating and water issues in the Dimple Newsom Residence Hall.

The takeaway

This fire at the troubled Shaw University dorm highlights the need for the university to address the longstanding problems with heating, hot water, and overall living conditions in its student housing. The safety and well-being of students should be a top priority.