Clayton fire destroys 24 apartment units: What we know now

A fire destroyed an apartment building on Taywood Road and displaced 24 family units Sunday night, according to Clayton fire officials.

MORE: Massive fire guts Clayton apartment building, displaces 24 households

There were no injuries from the fire, but there was a “significant” dollar loss, said Clayton Fire Chief Brian Garver. The complex is near the Meadowbrook at Clayton golf course, and the fire remained hot through the night.

Here’s what we know now:

1. The fire started just before the Super Bowl

Resident Deleon Clay said he and his friends sat down for the Super Bowl when they heard a knock at the door and someone yelling “fire.” He said the fire started in his neighbor’s apartment, not long after he mentioned he was going to make himself some food for the Super Bowl game.

TRENDING: Dayton traffic cameras: How many thousands of speeders already caught?

2. The fire was well underway when crews arrived

Garver said crews arrived in two-and-a-half minutes and found an “advanced fire” on the first and second floors of the complex. The fire house is about a mile down the road, he said.

3. The weather made it difficult to fight the fire

The winter weather made fighting the fire difficult, Garver said.

TRENDING: How is Cornerstone snagging so many restaurant chains new to Dayton?

“Once we got in the attic, we had some issues with wind blowing the fire,”Garver said. “With it being so cold, obviously the wind is blowing and gear is freezing up because of the water.”

“It makes it a lot more dangerous for us to be out here,” he said.

4. Several other departments helped Clayton

Clayton firefighters were assisted by crews from Dayton, Englewood, Union, Huber Heights, Brookville, and Phillipsburg, Garver said.

5. Efforts are underway to help residents

Residents of the 24 units displaced by the fire are being helped by the American Red Cross. We’re working to learn more details about the fire and how residents are coping with losing their homes.

About the Author