July 30th, 2025
On the morning of July 7th, a fire broke out at a Cleveland warehouse on East 65th and Selma Avenue. Over 20 fire departments and more than 80 firefighters joined forces to help extinguish the four-alarm fire. The roofing company that owned the building stored a large quantity of petroleum-based roofing materials, which fueled the fire and made it more difficult to control. Strong winds, extreme heat that required frequent crew rotations, and limited water access at the warehouse site created significant challenges for firefighters. These challenges contributed to the fire spreading to other buildings, forcing one family to evacuate their home. People heard several loud explosions coming from the warehouse, caused by tanks inside the building. Firefighters tackled the fire defensively after several walls started to collapse.
Thankfully, civilians did not suffer any injuries, but medical staff treated two first responders for minor issues. The building shows signs of long-term vacancy. Investigators believe the cause was an electrical issue and unintentional. The investigation is ongoing to assess specific ignition points and contributing factors. The estimated damage is around $750,000.
How Risk Logic Can Help You
Risk Logic can help both active and vacant warehouse owners identify potential risks and protect their buildings by implementing effective loss prevention measures. Contact RLI to assess your risks and develop a customized fire protection plan tailored to your specific building. This management empowers business owners to decrease fire risks and safeguard their assets. Our experienced engineers will conduct a tailored loss prevention survey to identify hazards and recommend practical solutions, including inspections, monitored alarms, and sprinkler systems, to mitigate risks.
