Fire Devastates Westlake Apt. Building

A serious and devastating fire occurred at the Crossing Village off Detroit Road in Westlake on July 28

Westlake Fire Dept. has released the following report:

“At approximately 1pm, a resident of 1483 East Crossings Parkway reported to Westcom dispatch that there was smoke and flames coming from the roof of the apartment building. Westlake Fire Department crews arrived on scene to find heavy fire conditions throughout the attic space and fire impinging on a connected apartment building.

“High humidity and temperatures, along with a major structural collapse of the original building hampered firefighting efforts. Crews worked with mutual aid fire departments from Bay Village, Rocky River, Fairview Park, Avon, Avon Lake, North Ridgeville and Lakewood to extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading to the adjacent building.

“All residents were accounted for with the assistance of the property management company, Westlake Police Officers and Red Cross. There are no known civilian injuries at this time.

“One Westlake Police Officer was transported to the hospital with a minor smoke related injury.

“The Red Cross is currently on-site assisting residents with housing and services. There are approximately 22 apartments affected by this fire.

“The cause of the fire was reported by residents to be from a lightning strike. Westshore Fire Investigators will be on-site to investigate.”

– Michael Freeman, Assistant Chief, Westlake Fire Department

Photos courtesy of H-6 Photo, www.facebook.com/H6Photo/