Fire Captain Michael A. Washington reported on a two-alarm structure fire with structural collapse that occurred this evening in Price Hill. At 6:14 PM the Cincinnati Fire Communication Center received a telephone call reporting a structure fire with an explosion across the street from 1225 Dewey Avenue.

Initial fire units arrived on the scene discovering heavy fire and pressurized smoke showing from the second floor and attic space of a two-story with an attic, wood frame dwelling. The structure had been compromised, a large crack was showing in the front of the building. The fire captain of the first arriving engine company decided that this fire would be fought defensively (Exterior) fire fighting operation.

Within in minutes a large portion of the building collapsed to the street, no fire fighters were in the path of the debris. Fire fighters would continue to fight this fire in this fashion. Due to the weather conditions tonight a second alarm was requested for additional fire fighting resources. Fire fighters are still on the scene, and will remain on the scene until the building is razed. The fire building did have two adjacent structures next it, these two building did suffer minor damage.

The American Red Cross is assisting one family that occupied the building to the left due to the probability of total structural collapse of the fire building. Damage is estimated at $3500.00 dollars to the fire building. No fire fighter are civilian injuries were reported. The origin and cause is listed as “Undetermined”.

For further information please contact District Two Fire Chief Gary Scott at: (513) 352-2322