Firefighters will stay on the scene to battle huge, multi-building fire on Cleveland's west side

Two burning buildings knocked down

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Posted: 11/01/2011

By: Mike Waterhouse, newsnet5.com

CLEVELAND - Cleveland firefighters say they will stay on the scene of a massive fire on the west side through Wednesday afternoon. They knocked down two burning buildings while trying to contain a massive multiple-building fire.

The blaze broke out at West 98th Street and Madison Avenue Tuesday at about 8 p.m.

Firefighters said this was considered a "triple two-alarm fire" and multiple fire stations were called to the scene.

Firefighters said while the major part of the fire occurred in a vacant building, nearby buildings involved were occupied. The Red Cross is being called in to help with those displaced.

Cleveland Fire Department Spokesman Larry Gray told NewsChannel5 that five families -- including 11 adults and four children -- were displaced as a result of the fire. The American Red Cross of Greater Cleveland said they are providing food, clothing and a place to stay for four of the five families affected. The Red Cross was also at the scene Tuesday night, passing out water and snacks to more than 80 firefighters.

Flames could be seen shooting from at least one of the structures, as seen in the photos submitted by NewsChannel5 viewers Kevin J. Richter and Christian Martinez.

Police said no major roadways have been closed in the area.
There are no reports of serious injuries, but the fire department said at least one person who was not a firefighter was transported to the hospital.