ANN ARBOR

Burning cardboard started fire that destroyed 2 Ann Arbor buildings

Published: May. 30, 2023, 11:17 a.m.



Ann Arbor fire crews were called to the 800 block of North Maple Road shortly before 6 p.m. on Monday, May 29, for a three-alarm structure fire.Provided by the City of Ann Arbor Fire Department

By Jordyn Pair | jpair@mlive.com

ANN ARBOR, MI -- At least one person was injured and seven displaced after a Memorial Day fire destroyed two buildings in Ann Arbor. ... Ann Arbor fire crews were called to the 800 block of North Maple Road shortly before 6 p.m. on Monday, May 29, for a three-alarm structure fire. When crews arrived, they found a well-involved duplex with fire spreading to four vehicles and an adjacent duplex. ... All four vehicles were destroyed in the fire, which had been spreading toward a nearby church, but was stopped by fire crews.

One person was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, fire officials said. Three cats were also taken to an emergency veterinarian. An additional cat and one reptile unaccounted for as of Monday evening.

The fire was caused by a duplex resident burning cardboard in a fire pit located between the building and a detached garage. It is against city regulations to burn trash or anything other than natural wood, according to fire crews. Campfires must be at least 25 feet from any structure. ... Both duplexes were a total loss, fire crews said. Damages totaled roughly $1.1 million between buildings and contents. Seven people were displaced.

Fire investigators were there until roughly 2 a.m., officials said. ... The Ann Arbor Fire Department was assisted by fire crews from Scio Township, city of Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor Township, Pittsfield Township, Dexter Area, Chelsea Area, Northfield Township, Saline Area and Superior Township, as well as the Ann Arbor Police Department, Huron Valley Ambulance and HART.