By Vanesa Brashier
A Cleveland home on Cliffbrook Circle in the Kirbywood Subdivision was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours Wednesday, July 18. The home has raised some suspicions because it is directly next door to the charred remains of another home that burned in April.
According to Cleveland Fire Chief Sean Anderson, there were some concerns from some of the residents in the neighborhood that the fires might have been caused by electrical surges, but Anderson said that has been ruled out.
“Entergy has checked that out and doesn’t believe the fires had anything to do with the electrical grid,” Anderson said.
The fire was reported by 9-1-1 around 4:42 a.m. Wednesday. Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene but before they could arrive, the fire had already broken through the roof of the two-story home, Anderson said.
The house was unoccupied at the time as it was undergoing renovations, so no injuries were reported.
Anderson said that even if the home had been equipped with smoke alarms, the outcome would have been the same since no one would have heard them go off.
The cause of the fire is still unknown at this time.
When asked if he is concerned about what started the fire, Anderson said, “Yes, I am. That’s why it is still under investigation at this time.”
Assisting Cleveland FD with battling the blaze were firefighters from Plum Grove, Tarkington and East Montgomery County fire departments.