FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 2023

Sheryl M.M. Long
City Manager
Cincinnati Fire Department Completes Investigation into Fire that Killed Two Children

CINCINNATI, OH — After a thorough investigation, the Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD) has determined the cause of a fire at 681 Strand Lane which claimed the lives of two children in Winton Hills on May 11, 2023. The fire was caused by a faulty electrical cord from a freezer used in conjunction with an extension cord in the kitchen of the home. Extended use of the cords created heat which ignited nearby clothes, starting the fire. The fire’s cause is listed as accidental, and property damage is estimated at $110,000.00

Five people, including a mother and her four children, were home at the time of the fire, which started at approximately 5:30 a.m. Three of the residents escaped with assistance from neighbors, and two children were rescued by Cincinnati Firefighters immediately upon their arrival at the scene. Tragically, two of the children died because of injuries sustained that day. The Hamilton County Coroner has identified the victims as five-year old Addyson Marshall and seven-year-old Alijah McKenzie.

CFD wants to remind all residents that use of extension cords is temporary, and they should never be used in any type of permanent installation. Cords should be properly sized for the job and should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. The safest way to power any appliance is plugging it directly into a properly sized and installed wired wall outlet. 

Interim Fire Chief Steve Breitfelder states “The Cincinnati Fire Department joins our city in mourning the loss of young Addyson and Alijah. Their loss is felt deeply in the Winton Hills neighborhood and serves as a call to our firefighters to continue our prevention efforts in the community.”

Further questions can be directed to Capt. David Johnson of the CFD Fire Investigation Unit at 513-357-7585.