UPDATE: Cause Released in Chesapeake Apartment Building Fire
UPDATE: Cause Released in Chesapeake Apartment Building Fire Save Email Print
Posted: 11:41 AM Jan 6, 2009
 Last Updated: 10:41 PM Jan 7, 2009
 Reporter: Chris Atkins
Email Address: chris.atkins@wsaz.com
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UPDATE: Tuesday 1/6 @ 11:30am
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The Ohio Fire Marshal's Office says a pan left on stove in an upstairs apartment is cause of Monday night's fire.

We're told smoke detectors were present and they did activate.

The Fire Marshal says that cooking is the leading cause of fires in Ohio and in the U.S. Cooking is also the third leading cause of fatal fires in Ohio.


ORIGINAL STORY
CHESAPEAKE, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Firefighters are on the scene of an apartment building fire late Monday night along old U.S. 52 just outside Chesapeake city limits.

The fire heavily damaged an upstairs apartment above Deeds Family Vision Care. The blaze began in one apartment and quickly spread through three upstairs apartments. Flames were visible through the roof, and much of the building has sustained water damage.

No one was reported injured. Multiple fire departments responded and remained on the scene after 11 p.m.
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Posted by: Annette on Jan 14, 2009 at 08:34 PM
I am an employee at Deeds, and I would like to personally thank all our patients who have been so patient and have shown such compassion. We love all our patients and promise to be up and running within weeks. if you have something to pick up or need a repair, we should be able to help you now in our temporary south point location, just call us at the old phone #. we are anxious to be able to help you , and are working very hard to make that happen. I also would like to thank all the wonderful people for their concern for the tenants, my daughter was one of the tenants. The staff of Deeds care about all of you and hope you'll hang in there with us
Posted by: 236 on Jan 14, 2009 at 01:58 AM
To Sadie, go to your nearest fire station and get an application if you think you could do a better job. The fire depts arround here need as many people as they can get. Instead of being negative, you try to make a diffrence and see how it feels when people like you are ingreatfull when people like us try to help.
Posted by: 2KNOW1is2NEED1 on Jan 10, 2009 at 09:54 PM
My husband is the chief of a volunteer fd, he has more experience than most paid ff's & training in haz-mat, brush fires, chemical plant training, school fires & shootings, emergencies at the prison, jaws of life,automobile wrecks, train wrecks, tree removal,lol...he also has his FF1 and advanced first aid/cpr & I could go on & on with the training certificate hours, the point is, these men know what they're doing & they love it & their community- otherwise, they wouldn't do it for free! When the pager goes off at 3am-he goes & then still has to be at work(construction)at 6am.One Christmas, he was called out & was gone all morning & afternoon on a house fire. Firefighters do more than fight fire-remember those horrible accidents that you drove by or you had to wait til that tree was cleared-thank a ff.They assist full-code patients, drive the ambulance, search the woods for a lost child, fight fire in below 0 weather w/wet gear on.FF's see many tragedies & Still Go On the next run.
Posted by: SUE on Jan 10, 2009 at 12:45 PM
You have to be a special person to be a VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER, long HOT nights on firs calls, with NO PAY, just the feeling that you have helped save someone! SO to all the volunteer firemen, my thanks to you! You people want to run your mouth about them, well, till you walk in a fire in their boots, don't say a word! They have a very bad job, tiring, hot, and depressing! They do a great job! And to everyone that lost heir belongings at the fire, my heart goes out to you!
Posted by: TB on Jan 8, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Folks these people lost everything they had in this fire. If u need glasses go to walmart. The Fire Departments are taking applications every day. I have been one for 22 years. They put there lives on the line on every call. So sadie u need to put one in and then make see if you are still wanting to make the complaint of how long it took.
Posted by: Amy on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:12 PM
my email address is amycrawfordgc@yahoo.com, Amy from Deeds
Posted by: Amy on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:04 PM
On behalf of all of us from Deeds, we thank everyone and all firefighters for your help and support, especially the young firefighter that saved our computers! We look forward to serving the community again, our patients are very important to all of us, thanks again for your concern and support. Amy, optometric asst from Deeds, i'm not sure how much i can help you but if you would like to, you can email me at:
Posted by: Kathy C. on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:07 PM
Just a comment on the apartment fire in Chesapeake Ohio area that left three families Homeless. The evening coverage of the story was presented in much better taste that the afternoon was with Rob Johnson. The comment was made at that time, "Gives a whole new meaning to the old song..'Stand by Your Pan'" For these families, this is no joking matter. My children and myself lost our home and it's contents to fire last Christmas. I feel a bit more compassion should have been presented to these families in their time of loss. I am glad to see that the story was changed by the evening report. I wish all these families the recovery in which my family was blessed. You can rebuild life and move on. It just takes time.
Posted by: April on Jan 7, 2009 at 04:40 PM
First I would like to say that all of the VOLUNTEER Fire Departments involed did a great job and thank you. I have read every comment listed on this page and I want to say this: Any one could be a fire fighter if they wanted to be, BUT it takes Special men to be VOLUNTEER Fire Fighters. These guys do this because they are passionate about helping others and want to save lives. Now may I repeat they are Volunteers, they are not paid for their services. They leave thier families every time that alarm goes off no matter what they are doing to help someone else. These guys are real Heroes. I live in the area covered by the Chesapeake Volunteer Fire Fighters and I have to say that I feel a lot safer knowing that these guys are around. Great job guys and keep up the good work and know that your selfless acts do not go unseen by all.
Posted by: Brandon Best, Fire Chief on Jan 7, 2009 at 03:38 PM
As Chief of the primary Fire department responding in this jurisdiction, and the Incident Commander of that scene I would like to thank all of the men and women from my Department and from Proctorville, Fayette #1, Fayette #2, and Rome Fire Departments for their assistance on this fire. I'd also like to thank South Point F.D. for moving into their station to provide area coverage for the Eastern end of Lawrence County. Every one of these selfless volunteers deserve nothing more than praise for their hard work and efforts the other night. It was my decision, to go defensive on the fire after crews were inside several minutes and the ceiling started to drop on top of them. Property is not worth a firefighters' life. WE RISK ALOT TO SAVE ALOT, (a life) WE RISK A LITTLE TO SAVE A LITTLE (property). If anyone has any questions about how the fire was handled Please feel free to call my Office at the Fire Station 740-867-5988 I will be more than happy to field any questions. Thanks Chief Best
Posted by: Karen on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:36 PM
MY MOTHER WAS IN THAT FIRE. I THANK GOD SHE IS STILL ALERT ENOUGH TO BE ABLE AND NOT ONLY SAVE HER OWN LIFE BUT HELP TO SAVE THE LIVES OF THE OTHER TENATS. WE AS A FAMILY LOST ALOT OF THINGS THAT CAN'T BE REPLACED, BUT THANK GOD THAT SHE AND THE OTHERS MADE IT OUT SAVELY. I ALSO THANK THE FIREFIGHTERS AND PARAMEDICS FOR DOING THERE BEST IN TRYING TO CONTAIN THE FIRE.
Posted by: homeless on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:39 AM
I was a tenant at the building and there were extinguishers in EACH apt and two in the hallway. Even proper equipment can't save you from a careless and forgetful act. Thanks to all those who are helping especially all the dedicated firemen volunteers who worked all night trying to save as much as they could. God bless you all.
Posted by: Debbie on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:31 AM
My 72 year old Mother was in that fire. She heard the fire alarms go off and started knocking on doors.By the time she had finished alerting everyone, the stairwell was full of smoke, she had to stuggle to get out. I am truly grateful for the Firemen and Paramedics that came and put their lives on the line. Yes, we lost alot of things that can't be replaced, but thank God that we still have our precious Mother.
Posted by: to Kim on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:20 AM
To kim: You are freekin stupid, It was an accident,I had a kitchen fire and a pan was on the stove and it wasn't carelessness. If you are gonna say stupid things on here just don't post at all. Accidents happen. obviously, you were born!
Posted by: PatientofDeeds on Jan 7, 2009 at 07:18 AM
I feel badly for the family's involved and for the Deeds. People who are asking about glasses, give them a break. They just lost their business less than 24 hours ago. Ive gone there for years. They are good people and will take care of everyone as soon as they can.
Posted by: Volunteer on Jan 7, 2009 at 05:56 AM
To Sadie, we are volunteers. That means you can pick up your application at the local station on Tuesdays at 7pm. You apparently can deal with numerous additions/structural changes multiple ceilings. For these hard to get to fires I think every fire department in the nation volunteer or paid needs a Sadie!
Posted by: KIM on Jan 7, 2009 at 01:25 AM
I HAD A EYE DOCTOR APPT THERE ,GUESS THATS UP IN SMOKE NOW , THANKS TO CARELESS FOLKS LEAVING PANS ON STOVES
Posted by: Fatigued Firefighter on Jan 6, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Sadie.....there is always one in the crowd that likes to drag people down. When you have a building that has three layers of roof materials that consist of tar and rubber combined with one entrance/exit to the upstairs, it tends to make things difficult. And before you say I am just picking on you, I was one of the firemen that went back in this building and waded thigh deep through roof debris and tangled electric wires all while standing on a weak floor with risk of falling through to finish putting out the fire. By the way, if you didn't notice it was a concrete block structure that also results in massive amounts of heat being held inside. Thanks to all those that were with me. Sadie, why didn't you go find out Chief and give me your opinion on how to put the fire out? I'm sure we will all be amazed at your level of firefighting experience...NONE! Just some info for you Sadie....we are accepting applications since you feel it shouldn't have taken four hours. Typical of some..
Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:49 PM
my hubby is a firefighter and people dont realize what these men, and there wives go through daily.they risk there lives everyday over someone forgetting they have steak cooking, smokers (usually falling asleep) or a meth lab. please
Posted by: B on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:36 PM
Geography-- County Road 1 WAS US 52. It did at one time run on that road to the 6th Street bridge before the 17th street bridge was built. This was prior to the 4 lane highway was built I believe @ the same time as the bridge. Why do you think the 6th street bridge is called WV 527?
Posted by: sick and mad on Jan 6, 2009 at 09:19 PM
to ty,i got really upset and disgusted to see that people were asking about the eye doctor's office! i mean your glass's arent as important as a life. so your glass's need fixed?! aw, i feel bad for you, you need help with more than your specs ty.
Posted by: JUNIES WOMAN on Jan 6, 2009 at 08:58 PM
BABY IM AMAZED BY YOU EVERYDAY. FROM THE WIFE OF A TRUSTING, WONDER, LOVIN FIREMAN, FOR YOU WILL BE A CANDLELITE DINNER TONIGHT AND WERE SO PROUD WE COULD BURST
Posted by: Ty on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:16 PM
This is such a sad story. I am glad that everyone made it out alive. Thank God for that. I also feel bad for the Deed's Family and their employees. I have shopped there for MANY years. I hope they reopen soon in this or another location ((My glasses are scratched and need repair!)). By no means am I making light of the situation. Sometimes, you have to laugh, and start over!
Posted by: dd on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:32 PM
So is Deeds Family Vision still operating?
Posted by: GEORGE on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:58 PM
THANK YOU FIRE FIGHTERS. I AM AMAZED AT YOUR BRAVERY AND WILLINGNESS TO SERVE IN THESE DANGEROUS SITUATIONS.
Posted by: Kryssena on Jan 6, 2009 at 03:35 PM
I go to this eye doctor, I'm just glad everyone was ok and no one was hurt.
Posted by: ff on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:06 PM
Debby solved this one?
Posted by: geography on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:04 PM
it's not OLD US 52--it is Ohio State Route 7. Rt. 52 leaves Ohio at the 17th St Bridge. The proper name for the street is "County Road 1."
Posted by: sightless on Jan 6, 2009 at 01:34 PM
I'm glad everyone made it out OK. Thank you to our hardworking, selfless men and women of the volunteer fire departments. Has Deeds Vision made any statement to their patients as to if they have patient data backed up? (Like...if we were needing to buy our contacts or pick up our glasses....)?
Posted by: Relative on Jan 6, 2009 at 12:07 PM
My grandma lived in one of the upstairs apartments. She has lived there for a very long time and has lost everything if not to fire then to water. Alot of sentimental items were lost that she or my family will never get back...
Posted by: Just Me KY on Jan 6, 2009 at 11:48 AM
If they found a pan on the stove which the fire marshalls determined was the likely cause of the fire, where does arson come from? This sounds more like a forgetful tennant to me. AND SHERRY - That is what our fire fighters get paid for but if you ask me...they do not get paid near enough. They run in....when everyone else is running out. Thank you...firefighters everywhere for what you do!
Posted by: Sadie on Jan 6, 2009 at 07:33 AM
I live about a block away from the fire too and I have to say it shouldn't have taken over 4 hours for them to put out the fire. It started at 10pm at 2am they were still fighting it. I went out my back door to see it at 1am and it was still burning you can see some of the flames and tons of smoke. Heard it was because someone left hot grease on the stove. The fire department did a good job finally getting it out but they should have called more units to come help them I know they had probably about 4 but like I mentioned it shouldn't have taken over 4 hours. Glad everyone is safe and no one got hurt.
Posted by: scottie on Jan 6, 2009 at 06:53 AM
i am a fire fighter and i was on this fire scene last night and i have to say it was a mess... all i can really say about the fire was that no one got hurt that i know of... but we did have to take one fire fighter to the hospital.. Scottie Meredith Unit 266 Fayette Township Fire Dept dist. #1
Posted by: anon on Jan 6, 2009 at 05:51 AM
they took one firefighter to the hospital by ambulance, i think he was from fayette twp cause his jacket had ftfd on it
Posted by: sherry on Jan 6, 2009 at 02:26 AM
I live one alley alway from this fire,, and saw it on the news channel 3 and so I looked out the window and saw the most smoke I have ever seen, I walked to see and about 20 people or more were standing out watching the 5 fire units that were on the scene, I have to say the fire fighters are still on the site, and the fire was raging,and worse a trailer is right next to it by inches, they said the roof of it was on fire but they put it out,, a lot of smoke is in the area,, but I have to say the actions of the firefighters working all as one, was astonshing and made me so proud,, I was out there til 2:30 am and they were still going at it, some said the windows just shattered,, this was a half a block from where I live and I now know if I ever need emergency help they are gonna help me,, great job from the entire crew.
Posted by: lisa on Jan 5, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Either that's a coincidence, or there's an arsonist on the loose, how sad to risk the residents & the firefighters lives if this is arson!
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