Lorain firefighters were called to East Avenue near East 21st Street shortly after 1 p.m. Thursday, according to Assistant Chief Jon George.
Crews responded to a two-story residential structure fire in Lorain’s central district. Firefighters conducted a full search of the home and confirmed that no occupants were inside the residence at the time of the fire. No firefighter injuries were reported.
During the response, fire crews battled the blaze from the exterior of the structure and utilized a tower ladder as part of firefighting operations. Multiple fire apparatus were on scene as crews worked to control the fire.
Residents in the area reported seeing heavy smoke as firefighters worked. Photos released by Lorain firefighters show flames and smoke coming from the structure during the response.
Following the fire, city workers determined the structure posed safety concerns and made the decision to tear down the house. Officials cited public safety as the reason for the demolition. Further details regarding the structural assessment that led to that decision were not available at the time of this report.
As of publication, the cause of the fire has not been released. It is not known how much damage occurred before the structure was deemed unsafe, whether anyone was displaced, or if the fire remains under investigation.