This is Fire Captain Michael A. Washington with the Cincinnati Fire Department reporting on a three-alarm structure fire which occurred today in South Avondale. At 11:31 AM the Cincinnati Fire Communication Center received several telephone alarms reporting a structure fire at 714 South Fred Shuttlesworth Circle.

Initial arriving fire units discovered a three-story brick and joist multi-family dwelling with heavy fire showing from the second floor. Firefighters conducted an aggressive interior fire attack initially. Due to the volume of fire and smoke presenting, a second alarm was requested for additional resources. 

The fire on the second floor entered into the third floor via numerous hidden wall voids and staircases, which is common with this type of structure. The decision was made to withdraw all firefighters from the inside of the structure. This fire would be fought “defensively”. Due to the volume of water needed to suppress this fire, an additional alarm was requested for more fire pumpers to respond to the scene. These additional fire pumpers connected into water mains on Reading Road.

The fire was brought under control within one and one half hours. Damage is extensive and the fire is currently being investigated by the Cincinnati Fire Investigation Unit. The fire is currently listed as “Undetermined”. There were no reports of injuries. Smoke alarms could be heard throughout the building. Sixty-five firefighters were utilized at this scene sixteen fire companies were put to “work” at this incident. Some fire units have been returned to
service. Ten people have been displaced they are seeking assistance from the American Red Cross.