UPDATE: The morning fire at 534 South Main Street has now been contained by the Findlay Fire Department, according to city spokesman Jeremy Horne. The blaze lasted five and a half hours.
A structural engineer from Columbus will survey damage to the building on Thursday afternoon. Upon approval, the fire department will then be permitted to enter the building to assess the damage and complete a final review of the scene.
The American Red Cross Hancock County Chapter will open an emergency shelter this evening for residents of Argyle Apartments. The shelter will be opened at 6 p.m. at the Hancock County Agency on Aging, 339 E. Melrose Avenue in Findlay, on the east side of the building.
ORIGINAL REPORT: Findlay Fire Department crews responded to an apartment fire on South Main Street just after 5 a.m. on Thursday.
City of Findlay spokesman Jeremy Horne said Main Street will be closed from Hardin to Sandusky Street until further notice.
An eyewitness told WNWO that the Argyle Apartments complex was covered in smoke and flames were coming from the roof.
"We have nearly 30 families affected by this fire. Our first concern is to give them a place to go while the fire is being contained. We are working with the residents to determine their needs for shelter, food, clothing, medications and other needs," Red Cross executive director Todd James said. "Once we have a good idea of their needs, we’ll make a determination on opening a shelter and begin providing assistance to those who need it."
The American Red Cross Hancock County Chapter has opened an evacuation center for families affected by a fire in downtown Findlay. The evacuation center is located at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church on West Sandusky Street in Findlay.
Any residents who were not home at the time of the fire should go to the evacuation center or call the Red Cross at 419-422-9322 for more information.
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