Eight people were reported to have suffered minor injuries in a late-Friday house fire in Cleveland. A neighbor told Cleveland 19 News that six children and two adults jumped from the second floor.
The residential fire report came in around 11:35 p.m. Friday, according to Cleveland Fire, as detailed by Cleveland 19 News. Cleveland's Division of Fire confirmed that eight people in total suffered minor injuries in the escape, a number that matches the combined count of six children and two adults reported to have jumped from the burning structure.
Cleveland EMS reported that the children ranged in age from 2 to 17: 2, 5, 11, 14, 16 and 17. The two adults were identified as a 34-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man. The report does not specify how the eight people were related or who owned the home.
Conflicting Details on Who Was Hospitalized
One part of Cleveland 19 News’ account says six adults and two children were transported to MetroHealth in stable condition with minor injuries. That breakdown conflicts with the account’s earlier description of six children and two adults jumping from the second floor. The report does not reconcile the difference, so the two counts cannot be resolved from the available information.
What is consistent across the account is the total of eight people injured and treated, and that their injuries were characterized as minor, with those transported to the hospital said to be in stable condition.
Cause Ruled Accidental, Damage Estimated at $75,000
Cleveland Fire determined the cause of the blaze was accidental, according to the same account. Damage to the home was estimated at $75,000.
The Red Cross was called to assist the family in the fire's aftermath, according to Cleveland Fire. No further details on the family's immediate housing situation were included in the initial reporting, and the story remains a developing one as more information becomes available.
Fire-safety planning and assistance
For residents planning how to get out of a home in an emergency, the Cleveland Division of Fire recommends establishing an escape route, identifying two ways out of each room, making sure doors and windows open easily, and choosing a meeting place outside, according to the Cleveland Division of Fire.
The division also participates in the American Red Cross Operation Save-A-Life program, which provides free smoke alarms, batteries and installation. The division says elderly and low-income Cleveland residents qualify.
