Five pets perish in fire
WARREN — Residents have been displaced and the lives of several pets were lost during a fire that broke out Wednesday evening at the Stonegate Apartment complex on Robert Avenue NW, according to Warren fire Chief Ken Nussle.
The blaze, reported at 7:22 p.m., is believed to have originated in a utility plumbing shaft between the second and third floors, according to initial findings by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Investigators believe the fire was brought on by maintenance efforts to heat a water pipe, which had frozen due to ongoing issues with the building’s heating system.
A new boiler recently had been installed, but Nussle said maintenance staff had been attempting to thaw the pipe after a toilet froze. The building also experienced a water main break days earlier, which officials attributed to ongoing heating issues.
The fire burned through the roof of the complex, making it dangerous for crews fighting the blaze on the interior.
“The elevated waterway is easier than attacking something on the interior given the fire burned through the roof. It’s easier on the firefighters because it’s more mechanical,” Nussle said.
Crews worked through bitterly cold temperatures Wednesday night and searched every unit in the complex. No issues with fire hydrants were reported.
Residents described watching flames and thick smoke pouring from the upper floors of the building as firefighters battled the fire from multiple angles. Several spoke out about ongoing issues with the apartment complex, including plumbing problems, water main breaks, bug infestations and unresponsive management.
In addition to displacing nine residents, the fire claimed the lives of three cats and two dogs.
“I’m just thankful everyone was able to exit the building safely,” Nussle said.
The Red Cross has stepped in to provide temporary housing for those affected.
The state fire marshal continues to investigate the fire.