
Today, fire crews in Glenville faced more than flames when a house fire, compounded by sub-zero wind chills, tested their resolve and resources. According to Cleveland19 News, firefighters were called to the scene in the 10700 block of Garfield Avenue shortly after noon. They grappled with flames visible from the windows amidst the plummeting temperatures.
All house residents were confirmed to have made it out safely, and the fire department conducted the firefighting operation from the exterior due to the challenging conditions. As the fire raged inside, the Cleveland Fire Department had to contend with extreme cold, which turned water into an adversary outside. FOX8 News reported on the water supply issues, noting the impact of the cold on equipment and procedures.
The house fire, which spread through all three floors before reaching the attic, required a strategic withdrawal by fire crews to an external assault, as reported by the Cleveland Fire Department via social media. The link to their post can be found here. This post provided a real-time account of the "challenging conditions" teams faced at the scene.
Cleveland Fire fighting occupied house fire on Garfield east of E.105 in B6. All residents safely out. Fire on all three floors. Companies forced to withdraw and attack from exterior. Challenging conditions. #clefireonscene pic.twitter.com/qoDkiEUUJZ
— ClevelandFire (@ClevelandFire) January 21, 2025
With hydrants, ladders, and hoses at risk of freezing, the cold environment complicates every effort. "Water’s our friend on the inside, but it’s our enemy on the outside on a cold day like this," said Cleveland Fire Department Lt. Mike Norman. Norman told FOX8 News. "Our equipment freezes, ladders have a lot of water on them — they freeze. … The hoses have to continue flowing or they can freeze up."
The fire was reportedly under control after a vigorous fight lasting over two hours. The fight was against the fire and nature’s frosty grip. Lt. Mike Norman remarked on the perseverance under such burdensome conditions and the struggle to maintain operative equipment amidst an icy grasp. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, leaving the two adults who lived in the home now forced to deal with displacement alongside a frigid Cleveland winter.