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Crews put out 17 fires in Ann Arbor during Michigan football championship celebrations

No one hurt by ‘couch and debris fires’

Ann Arbor fire crews extinguished 17 couch and debris fires on Jan. 8, 2024, following Michigan Football's national championship win. (Ann Arbor Fire Department)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Fire crews extinguished more than a dozen small blazes in Ann Arbor on Monday night after the University of Michigan won the national football championship game.

The Ann Arbor Fire Department said its teams had to put out 17 “couch and debris” fires between South University Avenue and Hill Street near Washtenaw Avenue on Monday, Jan. 8. None of the fires included any buildings or vehicles, and no one was injured, officials said.

The blazes occurred amid celebrations across the Ann Arbor area after the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Washington Huskies in Houston, claiming the national title for the first time in 26 years. Burning couches, garbage cans and the like has been a common practice at nearby Michigan State University when sports teams win major games.

On Monday night, fans flooded the streets of Ann Arbor -- with some people climbing posts and trees -- cheering and chanting for their team. Officials said no arrests were made in connection with the town’s celebrations, though they did appear to get rowdy.

You can see footage of the celebrations in the video report down below.

Michigan Football finished their season with a perfect 15-0 record. This was their third-straight trip to the College Football Playoff, but the first time they managed to advance past the semifinal round.

---> Michigan football finishes the job, wins first national title in 26 years


About the Author
Cassidy Johncox headshot

Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues.

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