Electrical Fire Forces Closure of Amstutz Hall at Ashland University; Building Unusable for Remainder of Academic Year
ASHLAND — Yesterday evening, an electrical fire sent heavy smoke pouring through multiple floors of Ashland University’s Amstutz Hall on Friday, leaving the residence hall empty, damaged, and officially closed until further notice.
The fire was reported at 9:11 p.m., originating in an electrical chase on the third floor before traveling upward through the building’s utility shafts to the fifth floor. The incident triggered a second-alarm response, drawing fire crews from across the area.
Assistant Fire Chief Gabe Campbell said the blaze caused significant destruction inside the building’s infrastructure.
“It was a fire that started in the electrical chase… it started on the third floor and went up to the fifth floor and just burned out all the electric and the electric chases,” Campbell explained. “There’s smoke and water damage and obviously fire damage to all those utility chases.”
Mutual aid came from a wide network of departments, including Jeromesville, Ashland, Mifflin, Richland, Hayesville, Mansfield City, Savannah, and Polk fire departments.
By Saturday morning, Servpro restoration crews were the only people allowed inside the building, working to minimize damage where possible. A bright orange sign taped to the main entrance reads simply: “Amstutz Hall is CLOSED until further notice.”
Security personnel at the scene confirmed that the building is being evaluated and students will not be permitted to enter until safety assessments are complete.
University Confirms Long-Term Closure
Ashland University released an official statement acknowledging the scope of the damage and the impact on campus housing.
“On Friday, Nov. 28, there was an electrical fire on several floors of Ashland University’s Amstutz Hall, which led to significant smoke, water and electrical system damage to the building. Fortunately, no students, employees or firefighters were injured,” the university said.
AU President Dr. Jon Parrish Peede confirmed that the building will not reopen this academic year.
“Amstutz Hall will be unusable for the remainder of the 2025-26 academic year. All students will be relocated to other residence halls on campus,” Peede said, adding praise for the rapid response.
“We are thankful for the work of our dedicated staff during this difficult situation and the prompt response and continued support from the Ashland Fire Department and mutual aid agencies.”
Relocation plans for affected students are underway, with details expected from university housing staff in the coming days.
