At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, fire crews from the Durham Fire‑Rescue Department arrived at the Physical Plant Building located at 206 Eagle Campus Drive on the North Carolina Central University (NCCU) campus. Multiple fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, and firefighters quickly began suppression efforts.
A police officer on site confirmed that the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported among students, staff, or first‑responders. The fire was declared extinguished after the crews completed their initial attack and conducted a thorough sweep of the structure.
University officials indicated that the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The investigation will be led by local fire investigators in coordination with campus safety personnel to determine the origin and any contributing factors.
Response and safety procedures
Durham Fire‑Rescue follows established protocols for early‑morning incidents, prioritizing rapid deployment, scene safety, and protection of surrounding structures. Upon arrival, firefighters performed size‑up, established water supply, and applied appropriate extinguishing agents to control the blaze. After the fire was out, crews conducted ventilation and overhaul to ensure no hidden hot spots remained.
Campus safety officers worked alongside fire personnel to secure the perimeter, manage traffic, and keep the public informed. The university’s emergency communication system was used to alert the campus community, though the early hour meant that few individuals were present on site.
Impact and next steps
While the Physical Plant Building suffered damage, the swift response prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent facilities. University administrators will assess the extent of the damage and develop a plan for repairs and temporary relocation of any services housed in the building.
Investigators will review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and examine the building’s electrical and mechanical systems to identify the fire’s source. Findings will be shared with the public once the investigation is complete.
Durham Fire‑Rescue thanked the community for its cooperation and reminded residents and campus members to remain vigilant about fire safety, especially during early‑morning hours when buildings may be unattended.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
