Large Elyria apartment fire displaces 30+, causes over $800K in damages

ELYRIA, Ohio (WOIO) - A large Elyria apartment fire displaced over 30 people and caused over $800,000 in damages Friday evening.

According to a release from the Elyria Fire Department, at around 5:15 p.m., crews were called to 1452 West River Road North for a structure fire.

When firefighters arrived, they found heavy fire on a second-floor balcony of apartment “F” beginning to spread rapidly due to very high winds.

According to the First Alert Weather team, winds were blowing about 20 - 30 mph during that time.

After battling the blaze for over an hour, firefighters got it under control, according to the release.

The apartment complex was deemed uninhabitable, according to the release, and the Red Cross has provided emergency lodging for the over 30 people displaced.

Yella Worthams was one of those people.

“I honestly don’t feel like I’m going to have a house or anywhere to live any time soon,” said Worthams. I’m just trying to move anywhere in Elyria.”

Chief Joseph D. Pronesti estimated the damage at $800,000 to the structure and $100,000 to the contents.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Elyria Township, Eaton Township, Lorain and Sheffield Village Fire all provided mutual aid, while Carlisle Township provided an engine company to cover additional calls in Elyria.

Elyria Police assisted with their drone, and Lifecare stood by with EMS, according to the release.

19 News did reach out to the management company of the apartments to see if they had any open units to help with housing.

We have not heard back.

“Just want to thank God that everyone made it out safe,” said Worthams. “I mean it could have turned out ugly, but God is good”.