Columbus firefighters spent part of their Saturday afternoon wrestling a two-alarm fire in a vacant building on West Broad Street, knocking back heavy flames that scorched the second floor and ripped into sections of the roof. No injuries were reported. Crews stayed on scene into the evening to chase down hot spots while investigators began working to pinpoint how the blaze started. Neighbors reported multiple engine and ladder companies crowding the street as smoke climbed over the near-west neighborhood.
Crews on scene
Photos and updates posted by the Columbus Division of Fire show multiple engine and ladder companies operating at the West Broad Street address. The department reported a two-alarm fire in a vacant building, with most of the damage on the second floor and in the roof area. According to the Columbus Division of Fire, there were no reported injuries and the cause of the blaze is under investigation.
Vacant buildings present extra hazards
Vacant and abandoned structures pose particular challenges for firefighters because utilities are often shut off, structural elements may already be weakened and the buildings can be more likely to draw unlawful occupancy or intentional ignition. National studies and federal guidance describe tens of thousands of vacant-building fires annually and a disproportionate share of firefighter injuries, according to NFPA. More information on vacant and abandoned-building fire risks is also available from the U.S. Fire Administration.
Investigation and city rules
The Division said fire investigators were on scene to determine the origin and cause of the blaze, and that law enforcement would be involved if the probe points to criminal activity. Columbus maintains a vacant-property registration program, and recent City Council actions have given code enforcement additional tools to track and require maintenance of vacant buildings, steps officials say can reduce risks to neighborhoods and to emergency responders. See the City of Columbus for details on the registry.
What neighbors should know
As of now there are no known injuries linked to the incident, and nearby streets were reopened after crews cleared most of the scene. Officials encourage anyone with photos, video or information about the fire to contact the Columbus Division of Fire or local police; general contact details are available on the City of Columbus.
