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A home in West Price Hill has been declared a total loss after a fast-moving fire tore through the structure early Friday morning.
Fire officials say the blaze caused significant structural damage. Investigators are now working to determine its cause, according to initial information released by WKRC.
Fire crews respond before dawn
Firefighters were dispatched at 2:17 a.m. to a residence on Kellywood Avenue, a residential street lined with older homes and ongoing renovation projects.
According to Local 12 (WKRC), crews encountered heavy smoke and flames upon arriving at the scene. The intensity of the West Price Hill fire forced firefighters to take a defensive position at first. They then proceeded inside to assess the structure.
Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD) personnel confirmed to Local 12 that the home was vacant at the time of the fire due to ongoing renovation work.
This detail helped firefighters operate with fewer rescue concerns and allowed them to focus on containing the flames and protecting nearby properties.
Despite their efforts, the fire spread quickly through the interior of the home. Heat and smoke billowed out from the windows, prompting additional units to assist in extinguishing the blaze.
A neighboring property received minor exterior damage, but firefighters prevented the flames from extending into that home.
Investigators survey extensive damage
After the fire was extinguished, crews conducted a structural assessment. They determined the home had suffered catastrophic damage. According to WKRC, CFD estimated the loss at $275,000. This amount reflects both the destruction of the structure and the impact on ongoing renovation work.
Investigators spent several hours at the scene reviewing burn patterns, possible ignition points, and the condition of electrical systems. Because the home was under renovation, investigators will be looking closely at construction materials, power sources, and any equipment recently used on the property.
As of the latest update reported by WKRC, the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials have not yet identified whether the incident appears accidental or suspicious. They have not released any timeline for when a determination might be made.
Fire safety concerns during renovation projects
The incident highlights a pattern fire departments often see: homes under renovation can be at higher risk of fire due to exposed wiring, construction debris, temporary heating units, and ongoing electrical work. Because walls and ceilings may be open or unfinished, fire can move through a structure with unusual speed.
Cincinnati Fire Department officials frequently remind contractors and property owners to take precautionary steps during renovation projects, including:
- Ensuring all temporary wiring meets safety codes
- Storing flammable materials properly
- Keeping heat sources away from debris
- Maintaining working smoke alarms, even in vacant structures
While the cause of this specific fire is still unknown, officials will likely evaluate these factors as part of the investigation.
No injuries reported and cleanup underway
One piece of good news, according to Local 12, is that no injuries were reported among firefighters or residents. Crews remained on scene for several hours after extinguishing the blaze to douse hot spots, secure the structure, and begin cleanup.
City inspectors are expected to evaluate the building’s remains to determine whether it must be demolished.
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