Toledo firefighter describes conditions of fatal 2014 fire

May 02--The first firefighter to take the stand in the trial of an Oregon man accused of setting a blaze that killed two Toledo firefighters described for the jury today how a routine fire changed in seconds.

"The heat just increased like crazy," said Toledo Fire Lt. Rob Swartz. "I'd never felt that kind of heat before."

On the second day of testimony at the trial of Ray Abou-Arab, 64, Lieutenant Swartz said he had climbed a second time to the top of a ladder where three firefighters had entered the Magnolia Street building through a second-floor window when he noticed the change.

At first there had been light grey smoke, he said. Suddenly, the smoke was black and the heat intense.

He said he yelled for the three firefighters inside to get out and shined his flashlight in hopes they would see the light and get back to the window to escape.

"From that point, it all kind of went downhill," the lieutenant said.

VIDEO: Witness Emily Bishop testifies in Abou-Arab trial

He testified that he attempted to go through the window but could not.

"In seconds it went from being tenable to the most extreme heat I have ever felt," Lieutenant Swartz said.

More firefighters were expected to take the stand today -- the second full day of testimony.

Mr. Abou-Arab, 64, of Oregon is on trial in Lucas County County Common Pleas Court for two counts each of aggravated murder and murder, eight counts of aggravated arson, and a single count of tampering with evidence stemming from the fire that killed Toledo Fire Pvts. James Dickman, 31, and Stephen Machcinski, 42. Six others were injured -- firefighters George Simko, Ronald Magers, and Ronald Kay and three occupants of the building.

Prosecutors contend Mr. Abou-Arab was having financial difficulties and set the fire to collect on a $420,000 insurance policy.

One juror was excused after the morning break because she had been seen falling asleep. Judge Stacy Cook told the remaining 15 jurors to let the court know if they were having problems.

"If any of you are struggling at any point...raise your hand and we"ll try to be attentive to that," she said.

Contact Jennifer Feehan at: jfeehan@theblade.com or 419-213-2134.

Guidelines: Please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Comments that violate these standards, or our privacy statement or visitor's agreement, are subject to being removed and commenters are subject to being banned. To post comments, you must be a registered user on toledoblade.com. To find out more, please visit the FAQ.

___

(c)2017 The Blade (Toledo, Ohio)

Visit The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) at www.toledoblade.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.