ASHTABULA —
The cause of a Saturday evening fire that destroyed an apartment at the Ashtabula Metropolitan Housing Authority Bonniewood Complex is still under investigation, Ashtabula Fire Chief Ron Pristera said.
A fire broke out late Saturday afternoon at 3228 Altman Court sending smoke high into the sky and taking the efforts of two fire departments to extinguish the blaze and control the scene.
“We are still trying to catch up with the tenants,” Pristera said.
He said the investigation could take some time.
“My guess is this is going to be under investigation for a couple of weeks,” Pristera said. “We are ultimately looking for the cause and origin of the fire.”
The Ashtabula Police Department also is looking into circumstances surrounding the fire after receiving evidence from the fire department, said Ashtabula Police Chief Robert Stell. He said the department received evidence that might indicate a meth lab was operating at the home and are investigating.
“We’re still looking for people,” Stell said.
Firefighters from Ashtabula and Ashtabula Township were on the scene for several hours Saturday evening as people gathered to watch from surrounding apartments.
Pristera said the apartment was apparently empty when the fire occurred.
At least one neighbor said she was made aware of the fire by a man running through the area letting people know of the blaze.
A dozen Ashtabula firefighters battled the blaze from inside, outside and on the roof.
The apartment and contents were destroyed.
Local News
Related Photos
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ASHTABULA FIREFIGHTERS cut a hole in the roof of 3228 Altman late Saturday afternoon in Ashtabula after fire destroyed the apartment. The fire is still under investigation. WARREN DILLAWAY
Discussion
Bonniewood fire still under investigation
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