43
Investigators search for cause of fire at former Stackhouse building
YOUNGSTOWN
Fire department investigators are still looking for the cause of a Market Street fire that brought three local departments together and sent three firefighters home with minor injuries.
The large, brick building with green trim at 3121 Market that has housed several different businesses over the years was boarded with plywood at every entrance Wednesday.
No-trespassing signs were posted outside the building, and black soot is visible around the windows of the second floor.
The building for years stood as the operating base for the Stackhouse Oldsmobile car dealership and then was the operating base for Rural Metro Ambulance services. There was even a small church in part of the building at one time, but it has been vacant for several years.
Firefighters were called out to the building just before 4 a.m. Wednesday. They found fire shooting from the second floor of the building and a rear door that had apparently been forced open.
Fire crews began attacking the fire with water supplied from nearby hydrants, but reports say it was soon discovered there were several different fires burning inside the building.
Austintown and Boardman fire departments were called to assist with the fire and man firestations for other emergencies.
The building’s owner said the structure has been broken into, vandalized and stripped in the past.
Investigators have not determined a cause for the fire. Damages are estimated to be about $210,000.
Several firefighters battling the blaze were sent home with minor injuries. Battalion Chief Ron Russo fell while inside the building and is being monitored. Capt. Dave Magura injured his foot and is being treated by a physician, and Lt. Chris Weaver sustained bruises to his legs and also is being monitored.
A demolition form has been filed on the building.