William A. Weathers
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SHARONVILLE - Officials continued Sunday to investigate the cause of a five-alarm fire that seriously damaged a 29-unit apartment building Saturday and displaced 24 families.

"All (of the 29 units) have some fire, water or smoke damage,'' Sharonville Fire Lt. Randy Johann said at the scene on Sharon Park Lane in the Shadow Hill apartment complex.

About a dozen departments helped battle the blaze in the three-story apartment building that was reported about 5:20 p.m. Saturday, Johann said. Additional departments were called because of the size of the building and the potential for multiple rescues.

No one was injured, thanks in part to residents, including several children, going door-to-door and warning people. Johann said.

No damage estimate was available Sunday.

The fire is being investigated by the Hamilton County SCAT team, a group of investigators who jointly investigate the causes of large fires, Johann said.

Some residents were escorted into the building Sunday afternoon to retrieve items.

The Red Cross arranged temporary housing for displaced families at hotels and provided food and clothing, said apartment manager Karen Horton.

Arrangements are being made for the families to move into other vacant units in the complex.

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E-mail bweathers@enquirer.com