A biker’s clubhouse has burned in Saginaw for the second time within the last few months.
Around 11:24 pm on Monday, October 30, Saginaw fire fighters received a smoke call on the West Side of the city. A Michigan State Police helicopter that flew overhead soon reported heat coming from an apartment building located on Durand Street.
Crews responded quickly to the structure fire. Hausbeck reported that when they arrived at the private Outlaws Motorcycle Club clubhouse, 1903 Durand St. to find smoke coming from it.
The crews entered the structure and put out the fire. Hausbeck stated that there were no civilians in the building at that time.
Building sustained damage from smoke and flames, but it is not considered a complete loss. Hausbeck estimated that the damage to both structure and contents is worth $45,000.
Mutual aid was provided by Buena Vista Township firemen. The scene was cleared around 1:30 am by the crews.
Hausbeck did not provide any further details on the cause of the fire, other than to say that it was suspicious. The fire chief declined to comment on whether the cause was Devil’s Night. However, he did say that it was the first structure fire in the city to happen overnight.
The morning of 15 June, a previous fire occurred at the Durand Street Club. The crews found a leaf blower on fire and put it out.
Witnesses came forward shortly afterward to report that they had seen a person pour some liquid on the back porch of the clubhouse and ignite it. The witnesses reported that the fire flashed and then died out once it was ignited.
The investigators discovered evidence that corroborated the witness’ testimony.
The clubhouse that the Fraternal Order of Outlaws BC owns since February 2019 was not badly damaged by the fire.
A 32-year old suspect was arrested the next morning on charges of arson in first degree. He was released the next afternoon.
Authorities issued an arrest warrant on Sept. 13 for the man, charging him with third-degree arson. This is a five year felony. Police haven’t arrested the man since Oct. 31.
In the first half of this year, 162 fires have occurred in structures. In 2022, the city reported 196 fires of this type.
Volunteers will join police officers and firefighters to patrol neighborhoods on October 31 from dusk until dawn in an effort to curb potential Halloween mischief and fires.
City officials have said that some will be patrolling neighborhoods on foot while others in vehicles will flash yellow lights to look out for suspicious activities, especially around abandoned homes and buildings.
Saginaw Fire Department, Saginaw Police Department, and community members came together to develop a program to combat the increasing arson issue through increased community involvement and awareness.
Derron Suchodolski, Saginaw’s Fire Marshal, said that Arson Watch is designed to reduce the number of arson incidents on Halloween Eve (also known as Devil’s Night) and thus, decrease firefighter injury rates, community damage, and overall damages caused by arson.
He said that arson reports have declined in recent years, with no incidents reported between Oct. 30 and 31, 2022.
In McCook in Illinois, the Outlaws Motorcycle Club began in 1935. It has since expanded into 41 countries. There are four Michigan Chapters, one of which is in Bay City.
The club’s website states that “The Outlaws Motorcycle Club” is not a criminal group. It is a motorcycling club. “We may not follow the social rules, but we live by their laws.”
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