A fast-moving fire ripped through part of the Lake Eden Apartments & Townhomes complex on Columbus’ west side just after noon Friday, sending a thick column of smoke over Dempster Drive and pulling multiple engine companies into a tight stretch of roadway. Neighbors looked on as firefighters battled the flames, and a wall of emergency vehicles clogged traffic in and out of the area.
What officials say
According to ABC 6, the blaze broke out just after 12 p.m. A Columbus fire official told the station the fire “started in one of the walls and made its way to the attic.” Crews stayed on the lines for at least an hour, the official said, while checking nearby units to make sure the flames had not spread.
Where it happened
Lake Eden Apartments & Townhomes is listed at 5179 Dempster Drive in Columbus, a residential complex made up of both apartments and townhomes. Lake Eden Apartments notes that the community includes multiple buildings and a mix of unit types.
Injuries and investigation
Officials had not immediately released information about injuries or the cause of the blaze. ABC 6 reported it was not yet known if anyone had been hurt. Firefighters remained on scene into the afternoon, securing the area and ventilating affected buildings while investigators began their early checks on how and where the fire started and how it spread.
Local context
The Lake Eden fire comes amid a string of apartment incidents across central Ohio this spring. An April structure fire in Columbus that sent seven people to the hospital was reported by WOIO/Cleveland 19, and a May propane-related blast at a south-side complex was detailed in coverage of a south-side propane blast.
The Columbus Division of Fire and property management had not posted a full public statement as of Friday afternoon. Emergency officials typically release more details after crews clear the scene and investigators wrap up their initial on-site work. This story will be updated if officials provide additional information.
