Fire destroys Diné College Student Union, graduation regalia lost weeks before commencement

By Nicholas House | Apr 14, 2025 | News |

GRANTS, N.M.

A fast-moving fire early Monday morning damaged Diné College’s Student Union Building, forcing a shutdown of the Tsaile main campus. This disruption of services and displacement of students occurred just weeks before the spring convocation.

The fire was first detected around 2:15 a.m., prompting security to alert the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Nation Fire and Rescue Service. While crews responded swiftly, the remote location and lack of a local fire station complicated containment efforts.

“I believe what basically started … is basically the events that have been revealed up to this point,” said Arizona Sen. Theresa Hatathlie, D-District 6, who also chairs the Diné College Board of Regents. “Security noticed that a fire had broken out at the Student Union Building. The fire was quick and moving.”

As flames spread through the heart of campus, emergency protocols were activated. By 3 a.m., Diné College executive leadership and essential personnel had mobilized on-site, coordinating evacuation notices and utility shutdowns in response to growing safety concerns.

“Due to the heavy smoke, due to the involvement of the first responders as well as NTUA … some of the (students) were notified to evacuate,” Hatathlie said. “There was a move to shut the electricity down at the campus. They wanted to make sure there was no impact to that aspect of the college.”

By mid-afternoon, Diné College officials announced that the fire had not yet been fully contained and urged the public to stay away from the main campus. Only emergency responders and designated staff are currently permitted in the area.

Residential housing was directly affected by the shutdown of propane service, cutting off access to heating and cooking for both student dormitories and family housing. Generators have been deployed to Spruce Hall to support temporary heating and lighting. Cold meals are being distributed, and despite its proximity to the blaze, the cafeteria remains functional.

“One of the things that leadership did is they had the cafeteria prepare food,” Hatathlie said. “Even though the Student Union is within close proximity, (staff) prepared foods that they set up in one of the dormitories so that students and the employees there can go … to get food.”

The incident command has been established at the Ned Hataałii Center, where representatives from Navajo Nation Risk Management, law enforcement, criminal investigators, and college officials are assessing the damage and coordinating the next steps. Hatathlie said responders, staff, and volunteers have worked continuously since the early morning hours.

“All education has been shut down,” she said. “Later on today, they will make a call if any other avenues can be utilized starting tomorrow.”

The Student Union Building, a long-standing campus landmark, is believed to be a total loss. Constructed in the late 1980s, the building was more than a student hub. It housed essential services, gathering spaces, athletic offices, and a culturally iconic mural described by Hatathlie as “a cultural space-age painting.”

“It brought students (and the) community together,” she said. “That’s the building that is a total loss, is what they communicated to us. The impact is great in that aspect.”

Among the losses were graduation regalia recently delivered and stored in the building.

“The graduation gowns were ordered … and that’s where they usually put the gowns,” Hatathlie said. “Now that’s all gone. We have to figure out how we’re going to be able to replace that and be able to provide that to the students.”

Classes are being transitioned to remote learning platforms, and officials say restoration efforts will begin only after the fire department declares the area safe and insurance assessments are complete. In the meantime, the Tsaile Post Office was also closed because of fire-related hazards.

The college has received an outpouring of support from across the Navajo Nation, with local offices donating water and offering assistance. “We’ve had such a huge number of individuals who are sending us positive comments. The college is in their prayers,” Hatathlie said.

She extended personal thanks to Diné College administrators, faculty, and emergency personnel.

“I do want to thank the Diné College leadership … for their dedication and their commitment … trying to navigate this whole incident,” she said. “All the way around, I just wanted to send appreciation for those who are offering support and also prayers and just being optimistic and positive.”

Officials emphasized that all students, staff, and community members should remain off campus until further notice and that safety, health, and recovery remain the highest priorities.