Fire crews in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, spent Monday night battling a large blaze that broke out on the roof of the Raleigh Convention Center.
The fire was reported around 9:30 p.m. at the facility located at 500 S. Salisbury Street, prompting a swift response from multiple emergency units as flames became visible across the city skyline.
Raleigh Fire Division Chief Preston Gaster told CBS 17 that firefighters were able to contain most of the flames by about 10:15 p.m., less than an hour after the first reports came in.
He confirmed that the fire appeared to be isolated to the roof and that early assessments showed no significant interior damage. Crews remained on-site late into the night to ensure the fire did not spread and to begin preliminary investigations.
DEVELOPING: A major fire has broken out at the Raleigh Convention Center in North Carolina. Emergency crews are on scene. pic.twitter.com/sn5O9BU6NL
— Resist Times (@ResistTimes_US) December 2, 2025
While the exact cause has not been officially confirmed, early indicators suggest the incident may have involved natural gas. Firefighters were seen near a manhole outside the building, working to access what appeared to be a natural gas shutoff valve as smoke continued to pour from the roof. Officials say the investigation is ongoing and more details will be released as they become available.
Videos posted online captured large flames shooting upward from the top of the convention center, accompanied by thick, dark smoke that was visible from several blocks away. The glow from the fire lit up portions of the downtown area, drawing the attention of residents and visitors who shared footage on social media.
NewsNation reported that crews worked from multiple angles to extinguish the roof fire, positioning ladders and hoses to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby structures. Despite the dramatic appearance, authorities noted that the damage may be less severe than early videos suggested, thanks to the quick response from firefighters.
As news spread, residents across Raleigh expressed shock, sadness, and concern for the safety of anyone who might have been inside or near the building. Many shared personal memories associated with the convention center, a major venue for conferences, concerts, expos, and community events.
“The Raleigh Convention Center is on fire. Awful to see… I have many good memories associated with this place. Hope everyone is safe,” one resident wrote on social media.
Others commented on the lingering smell that drifted across parts of the city. “I’m in west Raleigh near NCSU and there’s a burning plastic smell in the air,” another person posted.
Some also noted the building’s significance to religious and civic groups. One resident wrote, “The Raleigh Convention Center, where the North Carolina Association of Free Will Baptists hosted the 2023 National Association, is on fire. Let’s pray for the firefighters and everyone working to contain the blaze.”
Another user added simply, “Sad to see. Hope no one gets hurt.”
Authorities have not yet announced whether anyone was injured, though early reports suggest the building was not heavily occupied at the time the fire began. The cause remains under investigation, and officials say updates will be provided as more information becomes available.