Toledo apartment fire ruled accidental

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - A massive fire at the Tanglewood Apartments off Reynolds Road in Toledo last week has been ruled accidental, according to a spokesperson for the Toledo Fire and Rescue Division. The two-alarm fire displaced dozens of residents and destroyed 16 units, but thankfully no one was injured in the blaze. An exact cause, however, has not been determined.

According to the TFRD, windy conditions on the day caused the fire to move rapidly throughout the building. The first crews on scene worked to prioritize evacuating residents of the building. Pvt. Sterling Rahe with the department said the fact that fire happened in the afternoon rather than overnight made this much easier, since most residents were awake or not home at the time.

Two hours after the initial call, the roof collapsed and all firefighters were ordered to evacuate the building and turn to a defensive posture. They remained there for hours after the main fire was extinguished to put out any hot spots as they sprung up. Approximately 85 firefighters assisted in the response.

In total, 14 families were displaced as a result of the fire. The Red Cross is currently assisting those families and monetary donations can be made to the organization to help.

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