A fire at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus prompted an emergency response on Monday, September 28, 2026, after a battery-powered scooter caught fire at Hayden Library.
Tempe firefighters responded to the incident, and the blaze was extinguished.
Authorities said no injuries were reported.
Hayden Library was closed following the fire, and students, faculty and staff were advised to use other ASU library locations until further notice.
What Happened at Arizona State University?
The incident occurred at Hayden Library, one of the main libraries on ASU’s Tempe campus.
According to current reporting, a battery-powered scooter caught fire inside or near the library, prompting firefighters to respond.
The fire was brought under control, but university officials closed Hayden Library while the building was assessed.
ASU community members were told to use other library locations until the facility could safely reopen.
Was Anyone Injured in the ASU Fire?
No.
Tempe Fire officials said no injuries were reported in connection with the scooter fire.
There were also no confirmed reports of students, faculty members or firefighters requiring hospitalization.
The absence of injuries was one of the most important early updates following the incident.
Hayden Library Closed After Fire
Arizona State University closed Hayden Library following the fire.
A campus notice said the building would remain unavailable and advised members of the university community to use other ASU libraries.
No immediate reopening time was announced in the initial update.
The closure likely allowed fire crews and university facilities personnel to inspect the building for smoke, electrical or other damage before allowing people back inside.
What Caused the Fire?
Current reporting identifies a battery-powered scooter as the source of the fire.
Officials have not yet released detailed information explaining exactly why the scooter ignited.
Lithium-ion batteries commonly used in electric scooters can pose a fire risk if damaged, overheated, defective or improperly charged, but authorities have not publicly established which factor was involved in this incident.
The precise cause should therefore remain described as under investigation unless Tempe Fire releases more information.
Where Is Hayden Library?
Hayden Library is located at 300 E. Orange Mall in Tempe, Arizona, on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus.
It is one of ASU’s primary academic library facilities and serves students, faculty and visitors throughout the year.
Because of its central campus location, the temporary closure could affect students who normally use the library for studying, research and university services.
Did ASU Issue an Emergency Alert?
ASU operates both emergency alerts and advisory messages for campus incidents.
The university explains that major life-threatening incidents can trigger ASU Alerts, while smaller building fires or closures may be communicated through advisories.
Current reporting indicates the Hayden Library fire was extinguished without injuries, and there is no evidence of an ongoing public-safety threat.
Was This a Major Building Fire?
The incident caused a significant operational disruption because Hayden Library had to close, but the currently confirmed information does not indicate that the library suffered a large uncontrolled structural fire.
The confirmed source was a battery-powered scooter, and firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze.
The extent of smoke or other damage inside the library has not yet been fully detailed publicly.
ASU Students Asked to Use Other Libraries
Students and staff were advised to use alternative ASU library facilities while Hayden Library remained closed.
Other ASU library locations include Noble Library, the Design and the Arts Library and other facilities across the university system.
University officials are expected to provide additional information once the building is cleared for reopening.
Is Hayden Library Open?
Initial reporting said Hayden Library was closed following the fire and that no reopening time had been provided.
Because building conditions can change quickly after a fire, students should check ASU Library’s current hours or official university notices before traveling to Hayden Library.
ASU Fire Investigation
Firefighters and university officials are expected to review the incident to determine whether the scooter battery failed, overheated or was damaged before the fire.
The investigation may also include examining whether the scooter was charging when the fire started and whether any nearby property was damaged.
Those details had not been publicly confirmed in the initial reporting.
Latest ASU Fire Update
The key confirmed facts are that a battery-powered scooter caught fire at Hayden Library on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus, Tempe firefighters responded, the fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported.
Hayden Library was temporarily closed while officials assessed the building.
Further updates may clarify the amount of damage, the exact cause of the scooter fire and when the library will fully reopen.