In addition to the fatalities, 42 more people, including fourteen firemen, were injured in the fire, which was thought to have been caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette.

[3] State legislators and community groups often stayed at the hotel because of its location and amenities, including a popular bar and restaurant.

[8][9] Firefighters and evacuated guests were aided by the Lansing and Michigan State Police, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the Volunteers of America and provided citizens with clothing and food, as well as monetary support.

[5] The fire was widely covered by media, including appearing as the front page lead story in The New York Times[10] and in the Illustrated London News.

[citation needed] A memorial song, "The Lansing Hotel Fire", was written and published in 1935 by Walter Coon of Royal Oak, Michigan.