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On Thursday, February 6 the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal posted a press release regarding the January 24 Cedar Lee Meadowbrook project fire investigation. We are sharing the release with the Division's expressed permission.
Of the investigation process, Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren said, "We are fortunate that the State Fire Marshal is collaborating with our Fire Investigation Unit to get to the root causes of the fire so that we may move forward quickly on re-opening Cedar Road and the district parking garage, and on future redevelopment of the site. Given that our fire investigation team is staffed by full-time firefighters who must continue to do their daily jobs, it was critical to have the added assistance of the State."
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CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH--The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) continues to investigate a fire that occurred Friday, Jan. 24, at an apartment complex in Cleveland Heights that was under construction. The complex, “The Marquee at Cedar Lee” located at the corner of Cedar and Lee roads, received extensive damage as a result of the fire; however, no one was injured.
Due to the size and scope of the fire, SFM has taken the lead on the investigation but is still working closely with the Cleveland Heights Fire Department and Fire Investigation Unit. SFM’s Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau and Forensic Laboratory also are working with other agencies including the Cleveland Heights Police Department, Hillcrest Heights Fire Investigation Unit, Chagrin Valley Dispatch, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
At this time, electrical and structural engineers have evaluated the building and electrical systems as much as the damage will allow. Investigators have conducted approximately 60 witness interviews, including with 911 callers, construction workers, security company representatives, property owners, and previous and current building management. In addition to processing and viewing several hours of video footage of the fire and structure provided by various sources, investigators have used drone technology to produce a 3D scan of the structure as part of the investigation.
As the investigation continues, investigators are concentrating on the upper floors of the building’s north wing, located adjacent to Cedar Ave. They are currently awaiting structural engineers hired by the construction company’s insurance provider to deem the area safe to process. There is currently no time frame for when that may take place.
At this time, there are no signs or evidence indicating the building was tampered with.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728 or the Cleveland Heights Fire Investigation Unit at 216-291-2291. Callers can remain anonymous, and all tips will be thoroughly investigated.
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