Ann Arbor, MI — A series of fire-related incidents near the University of Michigan campus this weekend has prompted increased scrutiny of student event safety as the fall semester begins.
According to the Ann Arbor Fire Department, the first incident occurred Friday night in the 900 block of Greenwood, where a mattress was set ablaze in the street just before 10 p.m. A crowd of several hundred people gathered, delaying firefighters’ access and the extinguishing process.
Later that night, fire crews responded to another situation during a concert at 1345 Washtenaw. Officials reported several fire code violations, including non-permitted fencing that restricted emergency exits, blocked fire exits, and the use of a generator placed dangerously between buildings. The hazards were reportedly addressed on-site, but the City of Ann Arbor Building Department issued Stop Work orders due to the lack of required permits. Despite these orders, both the vendor and the event occupant allegedly continued with the concert.
A third incident occurred Saturday at 1001 Oakland, involving another concert where fire and safety violations were discovered. Again, Stop Work orders were issued and reportedly ignored by event organizers.
The Fire Department emphasized ongoing coordination with the Ann Arbor Police Department, Building Department, and City Attorney’s Office to ensure public safety and compliance moving forward.
With thousands of students returning for the academic year, officials are urging event organizers to follow all safety regulations and permitting processes to prevent further risks to the campus and surrounding community.
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