Wayne State fire today: What sparked the blaze at the historic Maccabees Building on the Wayne State University campus and was anyone injured?

Wayne State fire: A fire at Wayne State University on Wednesday afternoon led to a swift evacuation, but officials confirmed that no injuries were reported as crews quickly brought the situation under control, as per reports.

Wayne State University Fire Breaks Out in Maccabees Building

The incident occurred at the Maccabees Building, a 14-story structure located along Woodward Avenue in Midtown Detroit, as per a Detroit Free Press report. The fire began around 1 p.m., prompting an alert from Wayne State shortly after, asking people to avoid the area as the building was cleared.

Fire Linked to HVAC Unit on Upper Floors

Officials said the fire started on the 11th floor, likely from an HVAC or air handling unit on a platform outside the building, as per the Detroit Free Press report. Thick smoke rising from the rooftop was visible from a distance, drawing attention across the area.

Fire Contained Quickly, No Injuries Reported

Emergency responders acted quickly, and the fire was contained to the 11th floor before being extinguished. According to university officials and fire crews, no injuries were reported during the incident.

Water Damage Reported Across Multiple Floors

While the flames were controlled, most of the damage came from water used to put out the fire. Authorities said the impact was limited to the 11th, 10th, and ninth floors, and teams began assessing the extent of the damage soon after.

Wayne State Officials Praise Rapid Emergency Response

Wayne State Police Chief Anthony Holt said that, "The response was just outstanding. In this area we have several fire stations around. We have officers on campus. So the response was immediate. ... It shows the preparation we do ahead of time into fire evacuations and drills. Everything just went like clockwork," as quoted by Detroit Free Press.

Historic Maccabees Building and Its Campus Role

The Maccabees Building, completed in 1927 and designed by architect Albert Kahn, is one of the tallest buildings on the Wayne State University campus. It houses academic offices, including the Graduate School Dean’s office and the Department of African American Studies, though there are no classrooms on the affected floor.

The building also has historical significance, having hosted early radio and television studios, including broadcasts of “The Lone Ranger” and “The Green Hornet” in the 1930s, as per an AP report.

FAQs

What caused the Wayne State fire?
Officials believe it started from an HVAC or air handling unit on the 11th floor.

Where did the fire happen?
It broke out in the Maccabees Building on Wayne State University’s campus.