A devastating fire engulfed a 200-unit apartment building under construction in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, on Friday evening. The blaze took over 14 hours to contain, and the scene remains an active emergency. Authorities are working to determine the cause of the fire, with investigations led by the ATF and the State Fire Marshal's office. While the building was approximately 75% complete and a $66 million investment, Mayor Kahlil Seren expressed confidence in rebuilding efforts, stating the cost of damages is 'expensive but not out of reach.'
Cleveland Heights Fire officials are working to determine the cause of a major apartment building fire that occurred over the weekend. On Monday afternoon, city officials held a press conference to discuss the devastating fire at the Cedar-Lee-Meadowbrook project site. The full press conference can be viewed below. The fire broke out Friday evening in the 200-unit building and took over 14 hours to contain.
However, during Monday's press conference, Cleveland Heights Fire Chief Jim Harry said the scene is still an active emergency. Fire Investigator Thomas Beers said he and other investigators are starting from scratch in their efforts to find the cause. 'We never come into it with the idea that it was potentially set or accidental, we come in very blindly and allow the facts of the case speak for themselves,' Beers said. Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren stated that for the investigation to commence, ensuring the site's safety is paramount. The ATF confirmed a certified fire investigator has been invited to examine the origin and cause of the fire. The State Fire Marshal's office is also contributing expertise through its Fire & Explosions Investigations Bureau. 'We do know that there is internal security video footage from the area that would indicate or not indicate or give us some idea if someone was there,' Beers said.The apartment building, which had been under construction for approximately a year, was 75% complete when the fire erupted on Friday. Seren said the building represented a $66 million investment, and the cost of the damages will be 'expensive but not out of reach.' He also mentioned plans to rebuild the structure after the remains are demolished. However, there is no set timeline for the reconstruction as of now, but the building department will issue a demolition order. Throughout Friday and Saturday, the proximity of the building to nearby homes and businesses heightened the dangers. Firefighters diligently worked to protect surrounding properties, even as the apartment building succumbed to the flames. 'Not seeing anything that says to me any safety issue or anything that could or should have done better,' Harry said. During the fire containment efforts, roads were blocked, and the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District even canceled all events at Heights High School on Saturday to grant firefighters full access to the area. As firefighters battled the blaze, some surrounding businesses generously provided food, warmth, and other necessities. The city's fire department publicly expressed their gratitude on social media for the numerous agencies and local businesses that provided support. Several other fire departments also responded to the scene to assist Cleveland Heights, including Shaker Heights, University Heights, South Euclid, Richmond Heights, Pepper Pike, Beachwood, Euclid, Orange Village, Lyndhurst, Mayfield Heights, Highland Heights, Warrensville Heights, Maple Heights, Willoughby Heights, and Cuyahoga County EMA
Apartment Fire Cleveland Heights Ohio Cedar-Lee-Meadowbrook Investigation ATF State Fire Marshal
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