Akron firefighters rescued two occupants and two dogs from a three-story residential fire that sent multiple people to hospitals and displaced five residents

By Olivia Mitchell, cleveland.com Express Desk
cleveland.com

AKRON, Ohio — Akron firefighters rescued two occupants and pets from a three-story multi-residential building fire that started Tuesday night, fire officials said.

The fire broke out at about 11:45 p.m. at 181 Arch St., according to the Akron Fire Department. The cause of fire has not been released.

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Firefighters received reports of heavy black smoke in the area. When firefighters arrived, they found fire and smoke billowing from the first and second floors of the building, officials said.

Three occupants self-evacuated before crews arrived, and two others were rescued by firefighters.

Two occupants were transported to Akron Summa Hospital. Paramedics transported an Akron Police Department officer to Akron Children’s Hospital, where they were treated and released.

According to a release from Summa Health, eight members of Summa Health Protective Services team — which is made up of security officers and police officers — were treated at the hospital and released early this morning.

“We are incredibly grateful that everyone involved made it out of the fire safely,” a spokeswoman from the hospital stated. “The courage and swift action displayed by our Protective Services team was nothing short of heroic. Their willingness to go above and beyond to protect others is a testament to their dedication and professionalism.”

Two dogs were rescued by firefighters and transported to Metropolitan Vet Hospital. One of the dogs has since died, fire officials said. The condition of the second dog remains unknown.

Fire crews extinguished the blaze and ventilated the building, checking for extension in the ceiling and walls. As of Wednesday morning, two crews remained on scene to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

Five occupants were displaced, and the American Red Cross was notified. The Akron Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Unit was called to determine the cause of the fire.

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