Photo by: (WPEC)
The West Palm Beach Fire Department responded to a fire inside a residential apartment at Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Weyenberg Hall on Tuesday.
According to a statement from Palm Beach Atlantic University the fire department responded to the scene at about 10 p.m., fire crews evacuated the building as a precaution and quickly extinguished the fire.
Students were later given the all-clear to return to the residence hall. Those directly affected by the incident were placed in alternative accommodations, said a spokesperson with PBA.
PBA said, an investigation determined the fire was caused by a lithium battery inside a small appliance. No injuries were reported, and university officials said campus safety systems functioned as intended.
Ariel Slater said the fire sparked in her apartment inside her roommates room. She said it started with a popping noise followed by what looked like a firework.
“Then we smell smoke. It was like bright orange and yellow and then we got up,” Slater said “We didn’t know what it was.”
She immediately called 911 and dispatchers told her to pull the fire alarm. Slater and her roommate began knocking on doors to notify students to get out, and said several male students help get boys out of their top floored units.
Slater said according to the information officials shared with her during their investigations much of her items along with her roommates items are charred including clothing and bedding. The displaced ladies initially stayed with friends until the university was able to provide them with another living space.
Palm Beach Atlantic University conducts fire safety sessions and evacuation drills twice a year to ensure students understand fire prevention and emergency response procedures. The most recent drills were held Jan. 20 and 21, 2026.
University officials expressed gratitude to the West Palm Beach Fire Department for its quick response and care during the incident.
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Source: cbs12
