Apartment fire in South Toledo causes $5 million damage
7/5/2008A fire that started early Saturday morning caused an estimated $5 million damage to 11 buildings in a South Toledo apartment complex, leaving more than 100 residents homeless, fire officials said.
The three-alarm blaze was reported at 1:30 a.m. at the Hunters Ridge complex on Gilbraltar Heights near Byrne Road and Airport Highway. Battalion Chief David Hitt said no injuries were reported to either residents or firefighters.
Fire officials believe fireworks triggered the apartment complex fire. The blaze spread quickly to separate units in the 11 different buildings that shared an attic.
The majority of the units are a total loss, with belongings inside the apartments and charred remains visible at the scene.
The battalion chief said most of Toledo s fire crews assisted and brought the fire under control by 5:30 a.m. Firefighters are expected to be on scene all day Saturday as the fire is still smoldering. Fire crews from Oregon and Washington Township departments covered Toledo city fire calls overnight while the apartments burned.
Displaced residents have been taken to a shelter at the old Bowsher High School building nearby.
The damaged buildings are expected to be torn down throughout Saturday.