A devastating fire at Ashland University's Amstutz Hall has left the residence hall unusable for the rest of the 2025-2026 academic year, impacting hundreds of students. The fire, which occurred on several floors of the eight-story dormitory on Friday, November 28, was contained to the electrical system, causing significant damage from smoke, water, and electrical issues. No injuries were reported, but the impact is severe.
The co-ed dormitory, located near the John C. Myers Convocation Center and football stadium at the intersection of Jefferson and Broad streets, is designated for first-year students with a total occupancy of 285 people. University officials are now working to relocate the affected students to other residence halls, ensuring their comfort and safety during this challenging time. The university's President, Jon Parrish Peede, expressed gratitude for the swift response and support from the Ashland Fire Department and mutual aid agencies, highlighting the dedication of the university staff in managing this difficult situation.