Fire Destroys Apartment Building
Fire Destroys Apartment Building Save Email Print
Posted: 8:56 PM Sep 7, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:56 PM Sep 7, 2008
 Reporter: Jeremy Edwards
Email Address: jeremy.edwards@wsaz.com
32 comments
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SOUTH POINT, OHIO (WSAZ) -- Several families have a lot of cleaning up to do after a fire destroyed their apartment complex.

Firefighters say the flames started at one of the Lawrence Commons Apartment buildings in South Point.

It happened just before 4 a.m. Sunday.

It took crews more than an hour to get the fire under control.

Investigators say the fire walls in the building helped keep the fire from quickly spreading.

However, the building was still destroyed.

No one was hurt in this fire. Firefighters are still investigating the cause.
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Posted by: Leslie on Sep 12, 2008 at 03:51 PM
To Lyndsy: You are right, this is a very sad situation. The fact that a 3 families lost everything they own is what should be the subject here. I know how they feel for I have been in their shoes. I had my own house fire in 1991 and lost everything I owned. I had a 3 year old and was 6 months pregnant. However, I was also at the scene of this fire, and my question to you is this... WHY are we trying to find blame in anyone. It was a house fire, a complete loss that left 3 families homeless. ALL of the fire departments that responded came to the scene with the same intentions... PUTTING OUT THE FIRE and making sure there wasnt anyone trapped inside. I will say that it was Perry Townships district and they asked for South Point to come for mutual aid.I was riding in the truck with Art Shaw( my fiancee) and I heard him ask for the aid of 1400(SP) and the aid of (400&1500). I took the pictures for Perry Townships FD that are now on Myspace page Please look and tell me what they could save?
Posted by: Lyndsy on Sep 12, 2008 at 11:07 AM
This is a sad situation and you ppl really have nothing better to do then trash talk each other. No one needs too fingers anywhere. Everyone who could be to blame should be working together to figure a way to fix it instead of blameing each other. I was there that night and I know the man who did call and I seen everything that happened. I dont agree on alot of things that happened, I think that perry township fire fighters looked completely lost until SP got there.(THANKS SP FIRE FIGHTERS). While we speaking of Sp FF I was told that they wanted to raise money for the three families who lost everything, but OurGreat Mayor told them that they could not. I know there are alot of rumors running around, not sure if that is true. But I'm here to tell you that if something like this was to happen to someone in city limits don't think that our "poor community" wouldn't be the first in line to help. We are for the most part good ppl who stick together and I'm proud to be part of this community
Posted by: tember on Sep 12, 2008 at 12:57 AM
i live in lawrence commons and was there when the fire had just started and yes it took a while for the fire departments to get there but they got there hannahs apt was already gone when anyone realized it was on fire thats not the fire departments fault.. they did what they could do its not easy being asleep in the middle of the nite jump up fly to the station and wait for the right to get there so u can go fight fire.. our fire departments do the best they can all the time cut em some slack they fight fire, risk there lives for free to help our community.. i feel so bad for hanna and everyone i was suppose to be moving in apt 38 2 days after the fire.. everyone just keep all the families in your prayers do whatever u can for them
Posted by: Faith Buckley on Sep 11, 2008 at 09:54 PM
I heard about the Fire the next day after it had happened. I wanted to say I know Hanna and talk to her children a lot. They are good kids. I am so sorry for what had happened. I hope everything is going well and I will keep you all in are prayers and if there is anything I can do let me know.
Posted by: SPFD on Sep 11, 2008 at 05:01 AM
Guys, as a senior member of the SPFD, I would like to remind each of our members (and those of other agencies alike)that this is certainly no place to air differences between fire departments or political jurisdictions. Please be mindful and respectful of those families who have lost everything in this horrible fire. There is a time and a place for everything. This WSAZ forum is not intended to be used in this manner.
Posted by: Michael on Sep 10, 2008 at 08:05 PM
I doubt it is a big secret that water supply for fire suppression is in short supply in many areas of Lawrence Co. This includes not only rural areas but the more populated areas. Fire department bashing, either from the community members or between fire departments is counter-productive and does little, if anything to solve this community issue. Perhaps now that attention is once again focused on the problem, community leaders can address the issue. Water supply systems capable of fire suppression cost lots of money. Seldom is an ample supply of that available either. Communities expecting their government to provide for all their fire fighting needs also should realize that there is a price to be paid for that infrastructure, that equipment, and if you want a "full-time" firefighting force, those personnel. It is all very expensive. Large fires seem to amplify the need to have these types of community discussions. Discussions should take place in the “between the fires” time periods.
Posted by: David on Sep 10, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Hanna: Words cannot express the pain you feel in your loss, but I would like to clear up a misconception. Lawrence Commons, and other areas of Sheridan are not wanting to annex into the Village of South Point. Those areas must come to the Village and request annexation. As such, South Point does not supply water to the Commons. There is no "stupid annex problem" to investigate. Unfortunately, a misinformed person posted here that was the cause of the water shortage. That person needs to apologize to the people of South Point for his misinformed remarks here. Hecla Water Association took responsibility for the hydrant problems in yesterday's Ironton Tribune. I know this because I serve the people of South Point on its village council. Unfortunately, misinformation was spread by someone who should have known better.
Posted by: Ricky Bobby--to art shaw on Sep 10, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Hecla Water is in charge of the hydrants! You slandered the good people of South Point!
Posted by: hanna on Sep 10, 2008 at 01:00 PM
I am one of the victims of the fire, and I have to say that I appreciate all that the fire fighters did that night. I was one of the complainers b/c I heard how long it took for them to get there, however once you realize they do NOT sleep at the station, it is not their fault! They did everything they could with a hydrant out front that has NO Water! I don't want to point fingers, I just want to thank EVERYONE who has had us in their prayers and who has helped in any way! We have an amazing community, who will stand up with their neighbors or complete strangers and offer a hand to pick you back up! I agree that there needs to be an investigation into why some stupid annex problem cost 4 families their homes! It's rediculous, get it fixed, tell me when the next meeting will be, rezone, do whatever you have to do to make sure this never happens to another family! It is horrible to go through, but I realize that we are blessed to be part of the South Point community! hanna,lexi,kayla,d
Posted by: Emily. on Sep 10, 2008 at 11:51 AM
I live in lawrence commons and most of you people are absolutely ignorant. If you were here, and seen EVERYTHING, which I did, then you would know what happened. The house was gone with no hope when the fire fighters got here. REGARDLESS of working hydrants or suiting up men, IT WAS GONE. I love hannah dearly and david and im sorry this tragedy happened to their families, but she wasnt here when it started and before the firefighters were here. She didnt see it at that state. Her home was too gone to be fixed or any of her things be salvagable.
Posted by: Roberta on Sep 10, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Hanna Cain is (or was) my neighbor and a good friend. She is a single mother of 3 girls. When I was awoke at 3:30 that morning and seen smoke coming from the vent of her apartment it was devastating. The thing that is hard to understand is why it took the fire dept. 38 minutes to arrive and 10 more minutes to put water to the fire as everything she owned was burning to the ground. I don't understand why there is a fire hydrant approximately 8 feet from her apt. but had no water pressure at all and could not be used. Any help that could be given to Hanna and her daughters will be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Posted by: Art Shaw on Sep 10, 2008 at 01:01 AM
If you are all willing to stick your neck out here online at least be brave enough to put your real name up and not hide behind the computer. If you don't like the way things are run then come try to do something about it instead of complaining. Get off your high horse and come do what I do. I work full time run my own business on the side and still have time for the fire department and training. The training is free, the cool looking outfits is free and think…if your house catches on fire you can go get a fire truck and put it out yourself. That my friend is a win, win combo.
Posted by: anonymous on Sep 9, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Why would south point hook up a hydrant in perry township to their water system, and give you free city services. That is not even close to being fair to the tax paying citizens in sout point. If you want a fire hydrant that works in Sheridan either have South Point incorporate that area, or complain to the Township Trustees and the water company.
Posted by: Leslie on Sep 9, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Why do you people think Debbie can do anything about this? This is in Perry Townships District..... NOT South Points!
Posted by: get real on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:39 PM
Maybe debby needs to straighten this mess out about hydrents and water.
Posted by: Someone Concerned on Sep 9, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Enough of the arguing! This isn't about the time it took our vols who, by the way, showed up and THEN got dressed. This should be about the hydrant with NO WATER in the occupant's front yard...not even 10 feet from her front door. This should be about the families who have nothing - like the single mom with 3 young girls who have no home, no school clothes, no toys...NOTHING. This should be about why the apt complex even has these hydrants with NO WATER. Maybe they have gotten insurance discounts because they had hydrants on site (fraud)? All of you who volunteer know you will never make everyone happy. Just do your jobs the best you know how, that's all we ask. And we ARE grateful to have you. But don't lose site of the fact that we have real victims who are in real need. Step up and volunteer if you can, that would be great. But step up and GIVE to those who have lost everything they own. Egos should not be at play here, compassion and generosity should be.
Posted by: To Art Shaw on Sep 9, 2008 at 09:51 AM
The Village of South Point does NOT supply water to Lawrence Commons Apartments. Water is supplied to Sheridan by Hecla Water Association. Get your facts straight before typing misinformation!!
Posted by: WHAT??? on Sep 9, 2008 at 03:59 AM
38 minutes! I doubt that. It probably took 35 minutes for the Lawrence Commons folks to remember the number to 911!
Posted by: Melanie on Sep 9, 2008 at 01:21 AM
I did not bash the fire fighters in the least. I said " there needs to be an investigation!" I realize that in our county most of the fire fighters are Volunteer, Thank God for them!!!! Maybe I am complaining...but I did not direct my complaint at anyone in particular...I directed it as an in general!!! I think there needs to be something done. If in fact I did offend the volunteers, please accept my appologies...I was not trying to be derogatory towards you at all. I stating there needs to be an ivestigation...
Posted by: Brian on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Well, for you people who complain about the fire dept gettin there in time? Lets have a look shall we? As a former Vol, firefighter, try this! 1 be caught off guard when the call come in 2 drop what it is immediatly and head for the station. 3 Get your gear on, get atleast 2-3 men on the truck and get it goin back out to wherever the fire is! 4 find a usuable supply of water. If you are the complainer go sighn up for firefighting training and go volunteer and see how easy it is and as a vol, that means your not getting paid, so be grateful that someone cares enough to come to help free of charge. Yes in dire times a few minutes can seem like forever but Fireman take their calls seriously, so i wanna say "Thank you" fireman and personel that try to help me even if i lost everything.
Posted by: Art Shaw on Sep 8, 2008 at 09:28 PM
I am on the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department. If any investigative reporter would like to contact me please feel free to do so. They can get my email addy from WSAZ. The Official Fire call out time was 03:40:03 am and the first and second truck left the Sheridan station at 03:49:36 they traveled 1.2 miles on clear roads with lights and sirens running approximately 50 mph. so there is 3 mins. max. so from bed sleeping to on scene of the fire in 12 mins. and 33 seconds is a far cry from 38 mins. If you want to know why the fire hydrant that is 8.5 feet from the burning building did not work. It is because the Village of South point has repeatedly refused to hook it up to there water system. They want the people of Sheridan to annex to the village of South Point. We have to make use of a tanker task force for the majority of our calls in Sheridan because of this. We have a few good hydrants in the Winter Rose Mobile Home Subdivision and 4 along County Rd 15.
Posted by: alcie on Sep 8, 2008 at 08:53 PM
i live in lawrence commance apartments and i do belive if the fire fighters would have gotten here when they got the call but builing would have been ok, but they got here 38 minutes after they got the call.
Posted by: Anon on Sep 8, 2008 at 07:20 PM
I wanted to say that it did not take them 38 minutes to arrive I know someone on the fire department that got there in 5 minutes after 911 dropped their tones. So instead of you lame people blaming the fire department start by blaming whoever took so long to call it in and 911 for taking so long to drop their tones. Instead of complaining maybe you should go volunteer your time for no money and no respect to save a total stranger instead of complaining, get off you behind and do something productive!!!!
Posted by: EMT chic295 on Sep 8, 2008 at 06:59 PM
I agree with Jim the firefighters are volunteer and have other jobs and sometimes it takes longer to get enough people to respond to "calls". If you don't like the lenght of response then do something about it and join the fire dep. yourself. All of the local departments can use more dedicated firefighters, the stress on them at fires is great and not everyone is cut out for it. I comend each and everyone for all their hard work and dedication, Thank you for all that you do, and give up to volunteer. st.14 emt
Posted by: Jim on Sep 8, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Perhaps you should consider volunteering your time with the fire department. Maybe take a more pro-active approach instead of hiding behind your computer and complaining about the problem. Last I heard volunteer firefighters don't live at the fire department. I bet if you asked every member would tell you that they did everything they could to get to the scene as quickly and safely as possible.
Posted by: anonymous on Sep 8, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Perry Twp FD is a volunteer department. Perry Twp is a big township, and the men and women probably had to drive a long distance from their homes to the station.
Posted by: anon on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Where's Debby?
Posted by: Rebecca on Sep 8, 2008 at 11:15 AM
This was my best friends apt. and I'm just wondering why it took the fire dept. 38 minutes to respond.
Posted by: Melanie on Sep 8, 2008 at 03:59 AM
This article is sad. It does not mention that neighbors saved the lives of people in this building. Nor does it say that 2 of the firehydrants that the local fire departments tried to hook up to, did not work. Nor does it say that it took fire fighters 38 minutes to arrive at the sceen. I think there needs to be an investigation! Please look into these details more, you are reporters and investigative reporters correct??? I have names of witness' if that will help. I do know that one call to 911 went in at 3:37 ...what time did fire trucks arrive???? Much later!!!!
Posted by: derek on Sep 7, 2008 at 11:42 PM
my prayers are with the familes. I have a daughter that lives in these apartments.
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