Former Morris Brown dorm catches fire

ATLANTA - Fire officials confirm a blaze started at an old Morris Brown dormitory Thursday night, and suspect it could have been started by squatters.

Fire crews responded to the scene before 7 p.m., and said the fire started on one of the floors; it grew so intense, they evacuated the building and fought the flames from outside. 

Smoke could be seen around downtown Atlanta.

Crews are still working to put out hotspots throughout the night. 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard at Tatnall Street remains shut down.

Public safety officers for the Morris Brown campus said the old dormitory, known as Gaines Hall, is now owned by the city of Atlanta.

According to the Atlanta Preservation Center,  its website states the historical building was constructed in 1869.