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Fire chief reports basement fire, rising call volume and community training opportunities
Summary
Richmond Heights Fire Division reported an electrical-origin basement fire on April 3, rising call volume year-over-year, and upcoming community health and safety programs including a blood drive and a Heartsaver CPR course.
Richmond Heights Division of Fire Chief (interim) gave an update on April 8 saying the department is experiencing higher call volumes this year and described an April 3 basement fire where no injuries were reported.
Chief Newman reported that as of March 31 the department had responded to 799 calls for service so far this year, averaging about 8.9 calls per day — an 18.2% increase compared with the same time last year. He said crews responded on April 3 to a reported basement fire at 4962 Geraldine Avenue; firefighters confirmed smoke and fire in the basement, extinguished the fire in about 20 minutes, and the Hillcrest Heights Fire Investigation Unit determined the cause to be electrical and accidental. The American Red Cross assisted four residents and one pet; the chief said there were no injuries to residents or firefighters.
Chief Newman reminded residents about free smoke-alarm checks through the department’s participation in the American Red Cross Operation Save a Life Program and provided a hotline: (216) 361-5535 to schedule a smoke-alarm check. He also announced community events: a city blood drive with the American Red Cross on Good Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Richmond Heights Community Center and a free Heartsaver CPR class on April 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (class size limited to 12; participants must be 16 or older). The community paramedic Nicole handles scheduling at (216) 383-6323, the chief said.
Ending
The chief closed by encouraging residents to maintain working smoke alarms and by taking questions from council.
