ABOUT 200 students were evacuated after a fire broke out in a residential hall at Townsville's James Cook University early this morning.
The fire broke out in a room in the Douglas campus' University Hall about 1am today, prompting the mass evacuation.
Twenty firefighters in six fire trucks were called to extinguish the fire at the Angus Smith Drive property after receiving calls from security staff who had heard the automatic alarms sound.
Staff evacuated the building and no one was hurt in the fire. Investigations in to what caused the blaze are ongoing.
One room was extensively damaged in the fire and other areas of the building are smoke affected. Firefighters and police remain on scene as investigations continue.
JCU chief of staff Vanessa Cannon said it was unclear how many students would remain displaced following the fire, but the university would seek to find them alternative accommodation as required.
"We've evacuated A and B block of the University Hall accommodation block as we investigate the extent of the damage and work to get power back on," Ms Cannon said.
"Overnight, students stayed in the dining area or other nearby accommodation blocks that were unaffected by the incident."
Ms Cannon said the university was doing everything it could to support affected students.
"Students have been offered counselling and James Cook University is working to minimise disruption and inconvenience, including any disruption to their studies."
She said the university was confident they would be able to provide accommodation on campus for those affected and were working to ensure there was minimal disruption to the student's routine.
The university has provided emergency cash payments to affected students so they can purchase essential items, while the loss of their personal belongings will be covered under the university's insurance.
JCU has also set up a 'pop up' support centre at Education Central to respond to student inquiries.
The centre is providing assistance with counselling, academic support, emergency cash payments, replacement ID cards, and information about insurance claims.
The support centre also has a phone available for students who haven't been able to contact family members.
The Red Cross has offered assistance, including clothing, toiletries and pastoral care.
Police said the fire had caused moderate damage and investigations were continuing.
