Arson Not Suspected in Somerset Fire, Ruled Undetermined

A mid-morning fire that displaced 28 Somerset Apartment residents on March 8 and took the life of one family dog, was not arson, the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s office determined.

Investigators say that at the Moore Road apartment complex in Avon Lake involved no criminal activity and the cause of the fire will be officially ruled undetermined.

The fire started on the balcony of the third floor. Firefighters removed one occupant from the second floor who was treated by EMS at the complex and released. It took firefighters from six surrounding departments 48 minutes, in very windy conditions, to control.

Three family pets were rescued and transported to ; one family dog perished.

“An exact dollar loss has not been determined but initial estimates exceed several hundred thousand dollars,” a press release issued by the said.

Seventeen families were displaced by the fire. The Red Cross has assisted them with food, clothing, housing and medical assistance.