Alpha Towers evacuated

8th floor of Central Toledo senior living complex flooded, building's electrical system compromised

12/2/2013

A nine-story senior living apartment building in central Toledo has been evacuated after a sprinkler head flooded the building.

Toledo fire officials called for the mandatory evacuation of the 165 units at Alpha Towers, 525 E. Woodruff Ave., sometime before 9 p.m., today, after a sprinkler head on the eighth floor flooded the building, compromising the building's electrical system, said fire Lt. Matthew Hertzfeld.

Residents were being transported via TARTA buses to a shelter being opened by the American Red Cross at the UAW Local 12, 2300 Ashland Ave., said Amanda Aldrich, spokesman for the Red Cross Northwest Ohio Region office. Some residents went to stay with family or friends, she said.

Toledo Fire Battalion Chief Dave Rodriguez, who responded to the scene, said that officials were concerned that the water seeping into the walls could cause an electrical short or cause mold issues.

The building was being assessed late today by a team of electrical experts.

There were no reported injuries during the incident.