Leaf fire cuts into Law Quad studying

A fire in the Law Library last night interrupted students studying inside the building but did not cause any significant damage.

Ann Arbor Fire Department Battalion Chief James Breslin said a significant buildup of leaves above the underground portion of the Law Library near Tappan Avenue and Monroe Street caught fire shortly after 10:30 p.m.

"We were just chatting and enjoying the autumn smell of leaves burning and then we turned around and saw it was actually a fire," said a female witness who did not want to be identified.

Breslin said the cause of the fire has not been determined but the leaves may have been ignited by a smoldering cigarette.

The flames were contained within a mechanical space below concrete tiles and were quickly extinguished before any structural damage occurred, Breslin said.

"We had a little trouble locating it is all," he said.

University alum Jeremy Majchrzak called 911 at 10:36 p.m. when he smelled smoke and saw flames while walking past the east side of the library.

Beryl Goldtweis, a first year law student, said she was in the lower floors when she smelled smoke, heard the fire alarm and was told to evacuate.

AAFD Dispatcher Ingram Davis said six fire trucks had been sent to the scene and Huron Valley Ambulance had also been notified.

"We just had a lot of people here just to be safe," Breslin said. No one was reported injured during the incident, he added.

09-10-99