Teesside University Erupts in Fire: Massive Blaze Prompts Emergency Evacuation and Investigation
Middlesbrough, England — June 10, 2025
A devastating fire broke out at Teesside University in Middlesbrough earlier today, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting a full-scale emergency response from fire and rescue services across the region. The blaze, which reportedly began in the early hours of the morning, quickly spread through one of the university’s main academic buildings, triggering chaos, panic, and a rapid evacuation of students and staff.
The fire was first reported at approximately 6:42 AM BST, with witnesses claiming they heard a loud explosion before smoke engulfed the south wing of the Clarendon Building, a hub for lectures, labs, and administrative offices. As of the latest update, no fatalities have been reported, but seven individuals have been treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries. Among the injured are two international students and a security officer who reportedly helped usher dozens to safety.
“It Was Like a Scene from a Movie,” Says Student Eyewitness
Emma Davies, a third-year Psychology student, recounted the moment chaos broke out.
“We were in our dorms when we heard a loud bang. Moments later, the fire alarms went off. We could see the flames from the windows, and smoke was pouring down the hallways. People were screaming, some crying. We just ran,” she said, visibly shaken.
Multiple students posted videos on social media showing the extent of the damage, including footage of flames licking the outer windows of the Clarendon Building and firefighters spraying high-powered hoses to contain the inferno. A viral clip on TikTok shows students forming a human chain to help someone in a wheelchair escape the affected building.
Emergency Response: Dozens of Firefighters Battle the Blaze
Fire crews from across Teesside, County Durham, and as far as Newcastle responded to the university emergency. Cleveland Fire Brigade confirmed that over 70 firefighters and 14 fire engines were deployed to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to adjacent buildings, including the library and student accommodation blocks.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Paul Emerson addressed the press around 10:30 AM:
“We are dealing with an extremely serious and dangerous fire. Our primary concern has been ensuring all individuals are evacuated and accounted for. Thanks to the swift action of university staff and our teams, we have avoided what could have been a far more tragic situation.”
Classes Canceled, Campus Closed Until Further Notice
In a statement released by Professor Paul Croney, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, all classes have been canceled, and the university will remain closed for the next 72 hours while investigations continue.
“We are shocked and devastated by this incident. The safety of our students, staff, and wider community remains our highest priority. We are working closely with emergency services and supporting affected students with temporary housing and mental health assistance.”
The university has opened an Emergency Help Centre at the Olympia Building to provide information and assistance to displaced students, many of whom were scheduled to sit final exams this week.
Speculation and Investigation: What Caused the Fire?
While the full cause of the fire has not yet been determined, early speculation points toward an electrical fault in the Clarendon Building’s maintenance systems. Investigators from Cleveland Police and Fire and Rescue are currently inspecting CCTV footage and interviewing staff who were present when the fire began.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that construction work had recently been carried out on the building’s top floor, which may have played a role in the incident.
Detective Inspector Helen Carter issued a brief statement:
“At this point, we are keeping all possibilities open, including the potential for accidental ignition due to electrical equipment. However, we are also not ruling out the possibility of arson. Our investigation is ongoing, and we urge the public to come forward with any information.”
University Community Reacts with Shock and Resilience
The Teesside University community has responded with a mixture of shock, fear, and solidarity. Messages of support and concern have poured in from alumni, parents, and local businesses. The university’s Students’ Union has started a GoFundMe campaign to help students who lost personal belongings in the fire, including laptops, textbooks, and course materials.
Local business owner John Petty, who runs a bookstore near the campus, offered to provide free supplies to affected students.
“This community sticks together. It’s heartbreaking to see young people’s lives disrupted like this. We’ll do whatever we can to help.”
Wider Impact: A Wake-Up Call on Campus Safety?
The incident has reignited debate around campus infrastructure safety in UK universities. In a statement, the University and College Union (UCU) called for a nationwide audit of building safety protocols:
“We are grateful there was no loss of life at Teesside today, but this is a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining safety infrastructure in our institutions.”
Government officials are expected to visit the site in the coming days, and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has called for an immediate report on the matter.
What’s Next for Teesside?
As Teesside University begins the long road to recovery, the focus now shifts to rebuilding—not just the damaged infrastructure but also the trust and calm of its student body. Classes are expected to resume remotely next week, with graduation ceremonies postponed until further notice.
For now, Middlesbrough residents and students alike are united in one thing: gratitude that no lives were lost in what could have been a catastrophic event.
Please share.
Leave a Reply