Flames once again flared inside an Ann Arbor building, causing temporary closure to the popular Earthen Jar restaurant on South Fifth Avenue. Firefighters were dispatched to 311 S. Fifth Avenue on Monday after a blaze was reported shortly before 2 p.m., as per MLive. Smoke was seen billowing from the residential units situated above the vegetarian eatery, leading fire crews to spring into action, extinguishing the fire by approximately 2:15 p.m.
According to Ann Arbor Fire Department Chief Mike Kennedy, quoted by MLive, the building was not occupied at the time of the incident. No injuries were reported in the fire, which saw firefighters managing to contain the damage to the second floor. Despite the blaze being seemingly minor, curiosities and concerns can't help but to stir amongst the community, as this is not the first emergency the building has faced.
The fire's aftereffects mandated a response from the Washtenaw County Health Department to assess when the restaurant, known for its buffet-style Indian cuisine, can safely resume service. In reports obtained by ClickOnDetroit, no one was present during the fire, and the subsequent closure was due to the pervasive smoke that filtered through the entire building.
Last year's tribulations seem to haunt the Earthen Jar, having previously battled with a similar fire in December 2022, and a string of break-ins, mentioned by ClickOnDetroit. The cause of the fire is actively under investigation. A spokesperson for Earthen Jar did not immediately respond to a request for comment, local sources are keeping a vigilant eye as details unfold.
Ann Arbor's support for one of its beloved local businesses remains steadfast, as reported by The Michigan Daily.
