EUCLID, Ohio — Editor's note: the video in the player above is from a story published on March 16, 2021.
The Euclid Fire Department (EFD) is issuing a grim warning to parents today after a devastating apartment fire complex Saturday.
According to a Facebook post, EFD was dispatched to 26801 Brush Avenue last night around 10:30 p.m. with 16 uniformed firefighters sent to fight a blaze.
Officials say that all occupants and residents were able to successfully evacuate the building and crews were able to identify the two bedrooms on the second floor as the problem area.
Despite progress, EFD called in backup from Willowick, Wickliffe, Richmond Heights, and South Euclid due to the intensity of the fire.
Firefighters were finally able to extinguish the fire by 11:02 p.m. and determine that the cause of the fire was accidental, and the blaze started after a child was playing with a lighter.
"The bedding was the first item ignited and quickly spread to the contents eventually involving the entire 2nd floor and a small portion of the attic space. Adjacent units sustained significant smoke damage," EFD said on Facebook. "Early damage estimates are $200,000 to the building and $25,000 to contents."
The department is now warning parents and families with small children to warn their kids about the dangers of fire.
"This is the third serious fire in five weeks caused by young children playing with lighters in Euclid. Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of your child’s reach. Only use lighters with child-resistant or childproof features."
Below you will find a great fire safety video for children: