Fire in Sandusky leaves at least dozen homeless

9/2/2005

SANDUSKY At least a dozen residents of a Sandusky apartment building were left homeless by a fire that heavily damaged the wood-frame structure on Washington Street, a fire official said yesterday.

Firefighters were called to 817 West Washington St. at 5:32 p.m. Wednesday and found heavy smoke coming from the roof of the two-story building, Sandusky fire Capt. Bill Mohr said. The blaze started in the attic, possibly because of a possible electrical problem, and spread to an attached apartment unit at 813 West Washington.

About 35 firefighters from Sandusky, Margaretta Township, and Perkins Township brought the blaze under control in about 40 minutes but did not finish dousing the fire until about 9:30 p.m., Captain Mohr said.

He estimated damage to the structure and its contents at $90,000 and said an inspection would be required to determine if the building can be salvaged. All of the building s occupants escaped safely and were relocated to local motels.