No injures were reported, but tenants in an apartment building at the corner of Fifth and Lincoln Streets are without a place to live following a fire on Saturday (Nov. 15).
The Wayne Fire Department was called to the fire at approximately 12:30 p.m. Saturday. It was reported that fire was coming out of the windows on the first and second floor.
Wayne Fire Chief Phil Monahan said that due to the age and construction of the building, this type of fire moves quickly.
Due to the need for more firefighters with air packs to go into the building, mutual aid was needed and firefighters from Laurel, Wakefield and Wisner responded. The Winside Volunteer Fire department was enroute to Wayne when they were called to a baler fire in their district.
In addition to firefighters, the Wayne Public Works department, gas company, Wayne Police department, Wayne County Sheriff's Department, along with the State Fire Marshall''s office responded to the scene.
The American Red Cross provided assistance to the residents of the six units in the building that were occupied.
Monahan said the roof on the south side of the building is sagging and the status of the building is being evaluated.
Firefighters were on scene until approximately 5:45 p.m. Saturday and the building was checked for hot spots throughout the night and into Sunday morning.
A final report from the State Fire Marshall determined the cause of the fire as an air fryer malfunction. It was noted that these appliances should not be left unattended.
On Monday (Nov. 17) the building was red-tagged and determined unlivable until an insurance determination can be made.
