Safety plans in place for Mifflin Street Block Party

MADISON, Wis. – Multiple City of Madison agencies have spent months preparing for Saturday’s Mifflin Street Block Party.

The annual block party typically draws thousands of people to the 400 and 500 blocks of the street.

Building Inspection, the Madison Police Department and Madison Fire Department have been working together to ensure their safety.

Building Inspection

Building inspectors have been conducting routine checks since February. They looked for porches, balconies and other areas that needed structural repairs. They initially identified 24 problem areas. By Thursday, only a handful of these areas still needed repairs.

Property owners have been asked to rope off problem areas. Building inspectors are also asking Mifflin attendees to be aware of their surroundings on Saturday.

“If a balcony looks overloaded, it probably is. If people are bouncing or jumping, ask them to stop. These actions that people do will put you at risk,” said Building Inspection Director Matt Tucker.

In 2022, three people were injured when a porch collapsed during the Mifflin Street Block Party.

Madison Police Department

More than 150 officers are assigned to Saturday’s event, including dozens of officers on the Special Events Team. These officers are specifically trained in crowd management.

These officers will be walking and biking the area. Attendees are encouraged to reach out to them if they need help. MPD will also use its mounted patrol unit and multiple drones to help monitor fights, vandalism and overcrowding.

A glass ban is in effect for the area for the day. Earlier in April, officers went door to door and held a community meeting to discuss the ban and other ways residents and property owners can stay safe during the event.

"This is the 55th year of the Mifflin Street block party and for 55 years we've been planning for this, so we'll be ready and we'll see what the day brings," said Captain Mike Hanson, who currently oversees the Central District.

Madison Fire Department

The Madison Fire Department has two ambulances and a walking team dedicated to the Mifflin Street Block Party for EMS needs that may arise.

Additionally, Code Enforcement Officers from the Fire Prevention Division are teaming up with MPD officers to monitor building and balcony occupancy limits throughout the day. Code Enforcement Officers went door to door in the weeks leading up to the block party to do preventative education and outreach. They went door to door again Saturday morning to provide last-minute reminders before the festivities began in full force.

In addition to temporary occupancy restrictions on some properties where safety is a concern, there is a temporary ban on the use of fire pits during the Mifflin Street Block Party.