02/28/2012 – Structure Fire – “C” Shift  

Incident # 12-01133 – An early morning fire destroyed a vacant seven unit, single story apartment building in the 5600 block of Ritter Road Tuesday morning 28-February. The fire was reported at 01:30 with the caller advising the flames were coming from the roof. Engine 6 arrived nine minutes later to find the building fully involved. Most of the roof had already collapsed and the floor in most of the structure had already burned through. Firefighters deployed three 1-3/4 handlines to combat the fire in the concrete block building. A second alarm was assigned for additional Tenders and personnel at 01:42. Firefighters worked for over an hour to bring the fire under control. Crews were on the scene for 4-1/2 hours performing overhaul. The building had once been used as an assisted living facility for elderly residents, but was later converted to residential apartments. The building was unoccupied, but still had power connected. The cause of the fire is under investigation.  

Engine 6, Engine 22, Tender 1, Tender 2, Tender 6, Tender 8, Tender 12, Tender 19, Tender 25, Tender 27, Medic 1, Medic 6, Battalion 1, Car 12 and Car 116 responded. Battalion Chief Dan Barb served as Incident Commander.