On Wednesday, a fire in a Detroit building owned by Wayne State University led to the evacuation of the structure, the Associated Press reported. Thick, rolling clouds of black smoke were visible near the top of the university’s 14-story Maccabees Building, according to video shown by local TV stations.
Wayne State said on social media that the fire was contained and that no injuries were reported. The fire was on the 11th floor, AP reported, after which occupants were moved out as crews responded.
The Maccabees Building is described as a nearly century-old structure along Woodward Avenue, just north of downtown, designed by Albert Kahn. Wayne State has owned the building for more than 20 years, and the university said it has offices there, including the Computer Science Department and African American Studies.
Although the Maccabees Building is not generally known as a place where classes are held, AP reported that the building has a history tied to early radio and television studios. The Maccabees was home to broadcasts including “The Lone Ranger” starting in the 1930s and “The Green Hornet,” according to the AP account.
Authorities said the fire likely began in the heating and cooling system, AP reported. The investigation into the cause was ongoing, with the immediate outcome reported as contained flames and no injuries.