TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo Fire and Rescue evacuated part of the Oblate Residences apartment complex in west Toledo after a fire was reported at the multi-story structure on Monday afternoon.
TFRD crews responded to the scene around 12:55 p.m. after a 911 caller reported a possible generator on fire behind the three-story building. According to a release by TFRD Alternate PIO Barrett Dorner, fire crews found a transformer box humming loudly on the scene.
The cause of the fire appears to be an electrical box next to the generator. When crews investigated, the electrical panel was making loud noises. While assessing the situation, they witnessed the interior panel catch fire.
The building's sprinkler system extinguished it immediately. Damage was limited to the panel and mechanical room but smoke spread throughout the building.
The fire caused power to be knocked out in the building, which is a senior living facility. The elevators became inaccessible and additional resources were called to the scene to help evacuate residents from the upper floors.
All 97 residents are safe and accounted for. 18 pieces of equipment and 40 firefighters responded to assist.
There were no injuries directly from the fire, but four people were assessed on scene for other medical issues.
Two TARTA buses were brought in to assist. Residents were allowed in to the community room after firefighters removed enough smoke from the building, allowing residents access with safe physical distancing to stay warm.
The Red Cross is working to get residents into hotels until they can return to their homes. The property manager did not have an estimated timeframe for repairs.