A three-story house on Brewster Avenue in Cincinnati's Evanston neighborhood caught fire twice within hours overnight, displacing seven adults who lived there. More than 60 firefighters first battled the blaze late Thursday night, only for flames to return early Friday, bringing 45 firefighters back to the same address.
Firefighters were first called to the scene around 11:30 p.m. Thursday, according to FOX19, which reported that crews spent two and a half hours fighting flames on the third floor of the home. More than 60 firefighters responded to that initial two-alarm blaze before the scene appeared to be under control.
The relief was short-lived. Fire broke out again around 4:25 a.m. Friday, well before dawn, and 45 additional firefighters returned to put out what officials believe were rekindled flames. FOX19 reported the fire sparked again around 4:25 a.m. Friday and engulfed the roof, while WLWT reported crews were called back around 4:30 a.m. after flames rekindled near the building's roofline — accounts that differ slightly on the exact timing but agree on what happened next.
No Injuries Despite Two Rounds of Flames
Despite the overnight double response, no injuries were reported in either fire. Working smoke detectors alerted residents in time for them to get out safely, the station's report notes. WLWT added that the building's seven occupants were able to get out okay, and that neighbors also had to evacuate as crews worked the scene.
According to FOX19, fire crews were expected to remain on scene for much of Friday morning to monitor hot spots. The closure around the property reflected the scale of the response: one report placed the shutdown of Brewster Avenue between Trimble Avenue and Montgomery Road, while the other described the affected stretch as running between Montgomery Road and Trimble Lane near Interstate 71.
A Century-Old Home Left With Heavy Roof Damage
Assistant Fire Chief Matt Flagler said the home was built around 1900 and that it is repairable but heavily damaged in the roof area. Officials said the house had been operating as a group home or halfway house, according to FOX19. WLWT separately reported Flagler's assessment that the home is not a total loss, though expensive repairs are expected to be needed.
The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents as they figure out next steps. Both the cause of the fire and a damage estimate remain undetermined, with investigators still working to determine what sparked the original blaze and what triggered its return hours later.
