4 homes, 2 garages destroyed by 4-alarm fire in East Cleveland

EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Fire crews battled a 4-alarm fire in East Cleveland on Saturday afternoon that left four homes, two garages, several cars and a motor home destroyed.

East Cleveland Fire confirms to 19 News that everyone got out safely, but at least one dog was rescued and needed oxygen. One cat from the same home was also saved by firefighters.

East Cleveland Fire Chief David Worley confirmed wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour are responsible for sparking the fire.

“The powerlines were knocked down due to the high winds, and because of the high winds it made the fire spread even more,” Chief Worley said.

Officials also confirmed three families were displaced due to the fire.

Denise Eaton Foster and her husband, Ronald, were buying a new truck when a neighbor called and told them there was an emergency and to hurry home.

“We got a call from our neighbor that our garage was on fire. So, I figured the house would be fine because the garage is away from the house, but, then when we came up to the parking lot, the house was engulfed in flames.”

The couple and Denise’s 81-year-old mother, Beverly Wiggins, who just moved into the home on Orinoco Avenue, were desperate for firefighters to try and find their dog and cat. Ultimately, firefighters were able to rescue their dog and gave her some oxygen once outside. The family’s cat was also found safely.

“We were in our home seven years, that’s our whole life, seven years. We made a lot of memories in that home. But, we have our life. Everything can be replaced, we have our life that’s more important,” Denise said.

The American Red Cross has stepped in to help the three families, including children that need shelter.

The fire remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Return to 19 News for updates.

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