Early this morning, Maple Heights firefighters were summoned to a blaze at an apartment complex on 5382 Lee Rd. There were reports of heavy smoke billowing from the structure and residents desperately awaiting rescue from their balconies. According to a press release from Maple Heights Fire Chief Daniel Sypen, as obtained by Cleveland19, the building was a three-story, multi-family dwelling comprising 12 units.
Crews from several neighboring departments, including Garfield Heights, Bedford, Valley View, and Bedford Heights, converged on the scene, with approximately 20 firefighters working in unison to douse the first-floor fire and save the trapped inhabitants. Yet, despite the urgency and the grave potential for disaster, no serious injuries were noted. Meanwhile, the Maple Heights Fire Department shared more than 20 photos of the incident on social media, as noted by WKYC, capturing the harrowing moments as residents were plucked from danger.
Following the heroic efforts of the first responders, three individuals were taken to a local hospital, primarily due to smoke inhalation. At the same time, most residents found themselves forcibly dislodged from their homes due to the damage wrought by the inferno. The Chief told FOX8 that the fire, erupting around 2:30 a.m., was subdued within 15 minutes, although it was long enough to cause significant upheaval and displacement for the dozen households affected.
