District Fire Chief Rob McWilliams reported on a One Alarm fire that occurred in an apartment building located at 3401 McHenry Ave in Westwood on February 8, 2012.  At 5:45 pm the Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center received a telephone call reporting an apartment fire.

Initial arriving fire units reported a working fire in a 4 story occupied apartment building. The fire was located on the second floor in the rear of the building.  The occupants from the apartment that was on fire alerted the first arriving Fire Company that everyone had safely exited the apartment. An aggressive interior attack of the fire along with a search of adjoining apartments was initiated.  The fire located in a rear bedroom was brought under control within 10 minutes and all occupants of the building exited safely.  

The cause of the fire was determined to be a child with a lighter.  The Cincinnati Fire Department would like to stress the importance storing matches and lighters safely out of the reach of children.

Damage is estimated at $8,000.00 dollars.  No Civilian or Firefighter injuries were reported.  One family of 1 adult and 3 children were displaced and are staying with family.

For further information please contact District-Three Fire Chief, Rob McWilliams at: (513) 352-2333.