BRIEF: Fire causes extensive damage to multiple family structure

Feb. 13--ASHTABULA -- A fire caused fairly extensive damage to a two-story multiple family structure at 1620 West 11 St. on Sunday morning.

The resident of the apartment left at the time of the fire, and the two other apartments adjacent to the fire were cleared from the building by an Ashtabula Police officer just before the fire department arrived, said Ashtabula Fire Captain Steve Chase.

A primary search was performed after the fire was brought under control. No one was injured by the fire, he said.

"We got the call at 1:57 a.m.," said Chase. "Community Care also responded with an ambulance and Saybrook and Ashtabula Townships with fire trucks."

Chase said one apartment was a total loss. He said the second floor had heat and fire damage and the first floor suffered significant damage.

"The fire started in the first floor kitchen," he said. "I estimate property loss could be as high as $100,000, but that is not an official number yet."

He said renters should always have renter's insurance to protect the contents of their apartments.

"The fire is still under investigation," he said.

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