YPD fire investigation unit looking for a cause

By William K. Alcorn

alcorn@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Fire Department’s fire investigation unit is looking into the cause of a fire early Sunday, which severely damaged the Youngstown Auto Wrecking building at 1411 Wilson Ave.

Youngstown Fire Chief John O’Neill said the fire, which was reported at 2:15 a.m., seemed to have three different points of origin.

When crews arrived, flames were showing from the front of the second floor of the building, and because the fire started in three places on the property, firefighters divided their forces to battle the blaze, according to 21 WFMJ-TV, The Vindicator’s broadcast partner.

O’Neill said nine fire department vehicles and 30 crew members were on the scene.

The morning’s below-freezing temperatures added to the battle by freezing water and making for slick conditions.

He said several firefighters suffered minor injuries from slipping and falling on the ice.

However, no serious injuries were reported, and firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to other buildings and to expensive equipment, O’Neill said.

Fire personnel cleared the scene about 9:16 a.m.