Fire damages 2 buildings in downtown Port Clinton

4/20/2005

PORT CLINTON - Two buildings in downtown Port Clinton were damaged yesterday by a fire that started in an upstairs apartment in one of the structures, Assistant Fire Chief Sam Conte said.

Fire crews were sent to 221 Madison St. shortly after noon and found heavy smoke coming from the two-story wood-frame structure, Chief Conte said.

The building, which houses the Rack Attack pool hall and several apartments, sustained extensive damage from flames, smoke, and water.

A dollar estimate was unavailable last night, and the fire's cause was unclear, the assistant chief said.

"It's not a total loss, but the apartment's burned up pretty good," Chief Conte said. Firefighters spent about three hours fighting the flames and dousing hot spots.

Flames coming from the roof of the building spread to the attic of the Hartung Title Agency next door at 217 Madison. Chief Conte said firefighters quickly put out the fire at the title agency, which sustained minimal damage.

A Port Clinton firefighter was treated at Magruder Hospital after a piece of debris scratched his eye, the assistant chief said. No one else was hurt.