SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The state fire marshal's office is still investigating what caused a fire at Hidden Cedars Apartments in Springfield Township early Saturday morning that destroyed the homes of about 50 residents and killed one person.
The fire crews responded to the fire around 4:40 a.m. and spent about 14 hours putting it out. Saturday's fire was the fifth in the past 23 years at Hidden Cedars.
Springfield Township Fire Department's Battalion Chief Andrew Sauders said the apartment was built in the 70s so it was not protected by firewalls and was built before such protections were mandated by the state.
Authorities said late Saturday that one person had been killed in the fire. The Lucas County Coroner is still working to determine the name of the individual.
"Unfortunately, that subject was discovered at 2:54 that Saturday afternoon," Chief Sauders said. "The Lucas County Coroner and the State of Ohio Fire Marshall are currently looking towards finding answers."
The investigation may take several weeks because of the size of the fire, officials said. Andy Ellinger, a spokesman for the Ohio Department of Commerce, which includes the fire marshal's office, released the following statement on the case Monday:
"That is an active and ongoing investigation. The State Fire Marshal Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau is currently reviewing surveillance camera footage and awaiting autopsy results. Cause is currently undetermined. No further details to share at this time."
The department and officials with Springfield Local Schools said Monday they have been working closely with the families. Officials expect to have a plan later this week for collecting and distributing donations for the fire victims.
In the meantime, authorities are urging people to donate to the Red Cross, which is helping the displaced families.
It's not just local organizations stepping in. Neighbors including Danny Brown said they are helping when they can too.
"A couple people be seeming to have insurance so they going to get back up on their feet, but they lost everything," Brown said. "Medications, wallets, safe all of the stuff and we trying to keep this secure until the Sheriff's Department and Fire Department finish with their investigation."
Brown said he is hopeful the community can come together and overcome the tragedy.