Fire at abandoned Cleveland women’s shelter determined to be arson, firefighters say

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Cleveland firefighters battled a fire at an abandoned women’s shelter, according to the Cleveland Fire Department.

Fire crews arrived at 1545 W. 25th St., for a fire at an abandoned two-story brick building with 60 units inside.

Firefighters say crews battled a fire at the same location at 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

There are no injuries currently reported at the fire.

The building, formerly known as Front Steps, was a shelter for women and their families. It’s been vacant for years but authorities say homeless people are known to frequent the building.

The cause of the was determined to be arson and is under investigation.

“They’re checking cameras in the area to see if they can determine who was coming in and out of the building,” said Lieutenant Mike Norman, Cleveland Fire Department.

The abandoned building was scheduled to be demolished on Thursday but a spokeswoman for Metroparks could not give an update on if that will still happen.

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