Early Monday morning witnessed a catastrophic event as a massive fire ravaged a car dealership on Cleveland's West Side. The flames and smoke rose high into the sky, captivating the attention of our Overnight Newstracker for hours. Just after midnight, crews were dispatched to West 48th Street at Lorain Avenue where multiple buildings were ablaze.

Family-Owned Car Dealership in Flames

Cleveland fire officials have confirmed that the fire originated at Byright Auto Sales and quickly spread to the adjoining building. As per Byright's website, it is a locally operated and family-owned establishment. The intensity of the flames was astonishing, and the smoke was thick, prompting crews to deploy at least four ladder trucks.

Defensive Tactics to Safeguard Lives

Cleveland Fire Public Information Officer Lieutenant Mike Norman explained that crews employed a defensive technique to combat the flames, ensuring the safety of lives. Multiple walls and the roof of the building collapsed during the fire. A total of 17 units and 60 firefighters were on the scene at one point, working tirelessly to control the blaze.

Thankfully, No Injuries or Deaths

Fortunately, no one was hurt or killed in this tragic incident. Norman stated that due to a firewall, the flames did not spread to the neighboring Imposters Theater, which is a comedy and improv spot with apartments above it. The fire is estimated to have caused at least $500,000 in damage, and investigators are currently working to determine the cause.

Avoiding the Affected Area

Drivers are advised to avoid Lorain Avenue from West 48th to West 52nd streets while crews clear the scene. Stay tuned to News 5 and watch Good Morning Cleveland for the latest updates on this breaking development.We Follow ThroughWant us to continue to follow through on a story? Let us know.What story do you want us to follow through on? What questions do you have?Provide any other information that may help us to follow through on the storyCaptcha