Fire displaces 202 JMU students; no injuries reported

A fire broke out in Garber Hall at James Madison University (JMU) on Thursday night, prompting a swift emergency response. The fire alarm sounded around 9:12 p.m., leading to the evacuation of over 200 residents, with no injuries reported. Fire crews brought the situation under control by 10:24 p.m., and affected students are being temporarily relocated to Hotel Madison. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, university officials are prioritizing student safety and well-being. Students were encouraged to contact their families to confirm their safety during the incident. Eyewitness accounts noted visible flames from a third-floor window, and emergency services remained on-site to conduct thorough checks.