At least three people died and eight others were injured in a two-alarm apartment fire in north Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, March 20, 2026. Firefighters responded to the scene in the 200 block of Broad Meadows Boulevard shortly after 2:45 p.m., battling heavy smoke and flames at the 39-unit complex.
Residents described a chaotic and terrifying escape as the fire rapidly spread. “There was thick black smoke… couldn’t see anything,” said Claude Clark, a resident who was forced to consider jumping from a window to escape the blaze. “I was halfway out the window, ready to jump if necessary.” Carlos Taylor, another resident, recounted climbing out of a bedroom window to safety.
Columbus Fire Chief Jeffrey Geitter stated that over 100 firefighters were dispatched to the scene. Fire crews utilized multiple ground ladders to rescue residents trapped by the smoke and flames, with assistance from Columbus Police Department officers. “Multiple ground ladders were being raised to all the windows. CPD officers were assisting us,” Geitter said.
Eleven people were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Despite the efforts of emergency responders, three later succumbed to their injuries. “I probably knew them. I’m sorry to hear that,” Clark said, reflecting the sense of loss within the community.
The American Red Cross has established an emergency shelter at the Worthington Community Center to provide support to those displaced by the fire. The shelter is offering cots, blankets, and health services. “Someone lost a loved one or loved ones today, and it is horrifying,” said Don Hawkins of the American Red Cross.
Residents recounted harrowing experiences as they fled the building. Paul Robinson, an eight-year resident of the complex, described how smoke quickly filled his apartment. “Smoke just rushed into the apartment, so I slammed the door immediately,” he said. “The fireman saw me in the window… and brought me down the ladder.” Other residents were aided by neighbors, with one resident recalling a neighbor using a ladder to help him and others escape.
Loyce Theesfeld, a neighbor, opened her home to those displaced, offering clothing, blankets, and a place to charge phones. “Just kind of people helping people,” she said. Theesfeld shared that she was motivated to help by her own experience losing her home in a fire 23 years ago, stating, “You don’t have to grasp somebody’s name to know when they need help.”
The cause of the fire, which originated on the first floor, remains under investigation. Officials have stated that foul play is not suspected at this time.
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