COLUMBUS, Ohio — A large fire at an apartment complex in west Columbus caused significant damage to an apartment building and left many people displaced Monday night.
According to the Columbus Division of Fire, the fire started at Bridgestone Apartments on Mill Bridge Drive off Spindler Road around 10:30 p.m.
While the cause is still under investigation, Chief Jeffrey Geitter said the fire appears to have started outside in the back of one of the apartments.
Eight of the 16 apartments in the building sustained damage from fire, smoke and water.
Box 15, a Columbus organization dedicated to providing Canteen and Firefighter Rehabilitation Services, helped provide support to both firefighters on the scene and the affected residents.
“It was a large fire. We were supporting over 80 firefighters, and while we were there, we were passing out water [and] Gatorade. We were also giving out granola bars so they can get their nutrients back in them and get some carbs in them,” said Joe O’Brien, and executive board member for Box 15.
O'Brien, a retired firefighter himself, said he's glad he can be there to support others in those difficult times.
“I'm a former fighter paramedic, so I had people who did this while I was on the job. I'm paying it forward now. It is very fulfilling. Our reward is the 'thank you' we get,” he said.
Erin West, executive director of the Hilliard Community Assistance Council, told 10TV that the Hilliard Food Pantry, which suffered its own fire not long ago, is there to help people. West said they can direct people in distress on where to find any services they need.
The Red Cross is assisting 35 people. No injuries were reported.