Monday, July 10, 2000
Fire injures 4, limits access to Cincinnati Zoo
By Cindi Andrews
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati firefighters scramble to get off the roof as fire burns through during a three-alarm blaze Sunday in the 200 block of Northern Avenue near the zoo.
(David J. Jones photo)
| ZOOM |
|
Four people were injured in a three-alarm fire Sunday morning in an Avondale apartment building.
The blaze hindered access to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden until about 11:30 a.m.
The fire began about 8:30 a.m. in a downstairs apartment on Northern Avenue and quickly spread to the attic. Cincinnati District Fire Chief Anson Turley said it was likely started when the resident, Alicia Brigham, changed her oxygen tank while smoking a cigarette.
Ms. Brigham, who is in a wheelchair, tried to put out the fire herself and then had to be rescued by another resident, building owner Michael Tevis, officials said.
It took 67 firefighters 45 minutes to knock down the blaze but seven hours to make sure the blaze stayed knocked down, he said. Firefighters tore up walls and floors to make sure the fire was out.
Three of the four apartments had fire detectors, but it was unclear whether they were working, Chief Turley said.
The first three hours, firefighters kept the cross street — Dury Avenue — closed, which limited access to that zoo entrance. However, the chief said they were able to reopen the street before it caused traffic problems.
Ms. Brigham remained in University Hospital Sunday evening with second-degree burns on her arm. The other three people injured were not hospitalized overnight: Mr. Tevis, who cut his arm while warning residents of the fire; resident Belinda Lee, who had trouble breathing, and firefighter Larry Choate Jr., who broke his thumb fighting the fire.
Seven people in the building's four apartments were displaced by the fire; the Red Cross was providing assistance.
Damage to the building is estimated at $100,000.
Church breaks silence on AIDS
Experts: Gas prices likely to slide to $1.35 a gallon
New bridge connection a concern
Heart receivers express thanks
2 shootings leave two men dead
Fire injures 4, limits access to Cincinnati Zoo
Jobs, and a slice of Americana
Landlord gets tenants to safety in Avondale fire
She learned firefighting from the inside
Antiques grace MainStrasse
Hetfield-less Metallica turns concert into karaoke
Ky. Speedway's tune: Hard rock, no problem
Results of our news poll
Veteran celebrated in Italy
Youth programs get $18,300 boost
Chamber's fund-raiser beats goal
Demolition derbies a fair hit
Fairfield wants grads at home
GE union OKs deal
Golf to be played for fund-raiser
Hamilton city offices moving
Pig Parade: She's a Honey
GET TO IT
Tristate digest
Who should be cast away?
