Updated: Fire Destroys Building at Somerset, 17 Families Displaced

Updated: 4:03 p.m.

Firefighters and police battled a midmorning blaze at Somerset apartments on Moore Road that displaced 17 families.

A fully involved fire was reported to the at 10:42 a.m. at Building 174 at

All residents except one were out of the building by the time fire departments responded. Fire Chief Glen Eisenhardt said one woman was assisted from the building, treated at the complex and released. She declined to go to the hospital.

Art Mead, the Voluntary Disaster Chair said the 17 families represented 28-30 individuals.

"We're working with them," Mead said. "We're making sure they have a place to stay, they have food and clothing and emergency medical assistance if needed."

Eisenhardt said 30-40 firefighters responded from six to seven different departments including Avon Lake, Bay Village, Sheffield Village, Rocky River and Elyria.

The city was under a wind advisory at the time, hampering efforts to put out the fire. Eisenhardt said after the building was evacuated, the department went on "defense" since the lightweight structure could have become unstable.

"The cause of the fire is still under investigation," Eisenhardt said.

Red Cross is currently at the apartment building providing assistance. Eisenhardt said he wasn't sure how many residents were affected.

Check back for updates.

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