A fire early this morning caused significant damage to the Student Union Building at Diné College
April 14, 2025
Tsaile, Ariz. A fire early this morning caused significant damage to the Student Union Building at Diné College, prompting the temporary closure of key facilities, transitions in operations, and heightened safety measures.
Emergency personnel quickly responded to contain the blaze and safeguard the campus community. No injuries have been reported, and an investigation into the fire’s cause remains ongoing.
Due to structural concerns and safety precautions, the campus will remain closed to the public until further notice. Critical facilities, including the Post Office and the Navajo Nation Child Care/Day Care, are temporarily closed. Access to the affected Student Union Building and its surrounding areas has been restricted, with protective fencing to be installed in the coming days.
“At the center of our response is the safety and well-being of everyone on campus,” said Interim Security Supervisor Emery Deschine. “We are implementing measures to ensure a secure environment while investigations and recovery continue.”
Students at the main campus are encouraged to contact their instructors for details on assignments and homework. Faculty are arranging Zoom links to support remote learning on Tuesday, with in-person classes tentatively scheduled to resume Wednesday. Essential services, including meals and housing, have been relocated to alternative sites to maintain support for students.
Employees on the main campus will have limited access to their offices between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, allowing them to retrieve necessary items while adhering to safety regulations. All other business activities, including Bank ATM services, are postponed or canceled until further notice.
Risk management teams are collaborating with emergency responders and investigators to assess damage and coordinate recovery efforts. To ensure public safety, protective measures around the Student Union Building and other critical areas have been reinforced.
“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.”
Campus officials are urging everyone to refrain from circulating unverified information about the incident on social media, emphasizing the importance of relying on official communication for updates.
Further information will be distributed through campus email and emergency notification systems. Updates regarding the reopening of facilities and services will be communicated as they become available. #OperationWarriorStrong
