On Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 11:31 a.m., the Cincinnati Fire Communication Center received several telephone calls reporting a structure fire at 714 South Fred Shuttlesworth Circle in the Avondale neighborhood.
Crews discovered a three-story brick and joist multi-family dwelling with heavy fire showing from the second floor. Firefighters initially conducted an aggressive interior fire attack. Due to the volume of fire and smoke presenting, a second-alarm was requested.
The fire on the second-floor entered into the third floor via numerous hidden wall voids and staircases, which is common with this type of structure. The decision was made to withdraw all firefighters from the inside of the structure and fight "defensively". Due to the volume of water needed to suppress this fire, a third-alarm was requested for more engine companies to respond and supply water from another water main on the next street over.
The fire was brought under control in 90 minutes by 65 firefighters from 16 fire companies. Damage to the structure was extensive. The fire is being investigated by the Cincinnati Fire Investigation Unit. There were no injuries.
Smoke alarms could be heard throughout the building. Ten people were displaced and seeking assistance from the American Red Cross.
