At Byright Auto Sales in Cleveland, over 60 firefighters and 17 units battled vigorously against a large fire that erupted and raised concerns throughout the local community. Cleveland's fire department has estimated damages to be approximately $500,000 for the blaze, which, according to News 5 Cleveland, was initially reported after midnight and, despite being brought under control in the early hours, later reignited, prompting additional action from emergency services.
Not only did the fire consume a family-owned car dealership renowned for its collection of classic automobiles, as reported by FOX8, but it also necessitated the evacuation of a connected apartment complex. At the same time, firefighters eagerly worked to halt the spreading of flames that threatened to jump from car to car. The dealership housed not only sales of used cars but also priceless antique vehicles, including four from the '60s and Mustangs that have now been lost to the relentless fire.
Byright Auto Sales, a family-owned and locally operated business, witnessed multiple walls and the roof collapsing under the assault of the unrelenting flames. Cleveland Fire Public Information Officer Lieutenant Mike Norman was quoted by News 5 Cleveland, stating that a "defensive technique" was adopted to manage the fire, ensuring that no lives were at risk during the operation that involved at least four ladder trucks.
Additional information communicated by Lieutenant Norman, according to News 5 Cleveland, highlighted the presence of a firewall that fortunately prevented the fire from extending to the adjacent Imposters Theater, a local comedy and improv venue with apartments set above it. While the site was significantly damaged, there was a silver lining in that no injuries or fatalities were reported in the aftermath.
Cleveland fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire. This incident shook the West 48th Street at Lorain Avenue area and its residents, leading to an anxious night prototypically punctuated by the wail of sirens and the evil smell of smoke hanging in the air after the firefighters' determined efforts culminated in regaining control and allowing evacuees to return to their homes as dawn encroached, unfortunately, their services were required anew when the fire surprisingly rekindled requiring further intervention.
