Staff Report / cbuslocal.org

**Fire Crews Battle Garage Fire in Extreme Cold on Columbus’ Southeast Side**

Firefighters from Columbus Battalion 4 and 6, along with additional crews from Madison and Truro Townships, responded to a garage fire on the southeast side of Columbus, Ohio, earlier today. The teams faced the challenge of battling flames in what are described as some of the coldest temperatures the city has experienced in years. Despite harsh weather conditions, all teams successfully extinguished the fire.

Freezing temperatures during firefighting operations posed additional risks, including the danger of slippery ice forming from runoff water, frostbite to exposed skin, and potential weather-related equipment malfunctions. The crews were assisted on-site by Box 15, an organization that provided firefighters with hot coffee and other vital support throughout the difficult operation.

**Resources Available for Those in Need of Warmth**

As Columbus faces extreme winter temperatures, community organizations are stepping up to provide shelter and care for those in need. Individuals looking for a safe place to escape the cold can contact the Homeless Hotline at **614-274-7000** for shelter options or 24-hour warming centers. If no emergency shelter beds are available, the hotline will connect callers to the nearest operating warming facility.

Below is a list of warming centers currently available:

- **Jordan’s Crossing**: 342 N. Hague Ave., 9am-4pm (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri), Wed until 8pm

- **The Open Shelter**: 1037 Parsons Ave., 10am-2pm (Tue–Fri)

- **Star House**: 1220 Corrugated Way, open 24/7 for youth ages 14-24 and their children

- **First English Lutheran Church**: 1015 E. Main St., open 24/7 in partnership with Third Shift Warming/Cooling Center

- **New Covenant Believers’ Church**: 1505 E. Deshler, open 24/7 except Fri 1pm-4pm and Sun 9am-2pm

- **MY Project USA**: 3275 Sullivant Ave., open 24/7

- **Columbus Relief**: 2000 Parsons Ave., open Tue, Thu, Fri (9am-3pm) and Sat (11am-2pm)

- **Columbus Main Library**: 96 S. Grant Ave., open Mon (Jan 20), 9am-6pm for warming

- **Crossroads World Outreach Ministries**: 165 S. Cypress Ave., open Sun-Tue, 9am-5pm

Additional community centers open 9am-9pm Monday through Wednesday:

- **Barnett Community Center**: 1184 Barnett Rd.

- **Dodge Community Center**: 667 Sullivant Ave.

- **Linden Community Center**: 1254 Briarwood Ave.

- **Marion Franklin Community Center**: 2801 Lockbourne Rd.

- **Thompson Community Center**: 1189 Dennison Ave.

For assistance with other resources, residents are encouraged to contact **2-1-1**. Warming facilities ensure that no one faces the hazardous cold temperatures outdoors.

This incident and the support provided for those in need highlight the resilience of the Columbus community during an extreme weather event.

Source: Columbus Division of Fire

Source Type: Fire

Source Location: Columbus

Linden, NJ

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