EAST LANSING, Mich. — The City of East Lansing and East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) are pleased to report that over the past two home football weekends there have been zero intentionally set furniture/dumpter/trash fires in public places.
The City and ELPD hope this trend continues this weekend in conjunction with MSU Homecoming and following weekends as well.
ELPD continues to stress that these intentionally set fires are extremely dangerous for the public as well as first responders with the East Lansing Fire Department and ELPD. ELPD will continue to investigate and charge anyone responsible for setting these fires. It is a misdemeanor offense to remain within 300 feet of a fire and not call 911 or try to extinguish the fire. ELPD has cited and arrested several people for this in the past in relation to intentionally set fires.
In addition, the ELPD Detective Bureau did receive one tip regarding a fire that was set during the MSU vs. Oregon weekend. The tip assisted ELPD in identifying the individual who started the fire and will likely lead to criminal charges against the offender.
BackgroundThe City of East Lansing has dedicated reward money for information leading to the arrest of anyone setting illegal fires within the city limits. Over the past several years, City officials and first responders have witnessed a dangerous trend of fires being set to couches/furniture or trash in City streets, alleyways and other areas throughout the community. The fires are usually set in conjunction with large sporting events such as MSU football and basketball games.
After the MSU football win against Oregon, there were seven fires set in the City of East Lansing, primarily in student areas. These fires are extremely dangerous to bystanders in the area, but also to first responders that are called to extinguish them. Responding to these fires multiple times in a single night can also affect the response time to those in the community in need of medical attention.
The City of East Lansing is determined to hold those responsible for continuing to set these illegal fires and the public’s help is being sought. Anyone with information/evidence is asked to call 1-877-ELPD-TIP or send an email to elpdtips@elpolice.com.
The amount of reward will depend on the information given and the charges issued. Tips can remain anonymous.