Firefighters in Plymouth Township battled both flames and freezing temperatures early Tuesday morning as they responded to a house fire. According to the Plymouth Township Fire Department, crews arrived at the scene shortly before 12:15 a.m. to find a garage fire spreading into the main part of the home. The homeowner was not present at the time.
Firefighters worked for hours in brutal conditions before finally bringing the blaze under control around 4 a.m. Strong northwestern winds at 13 mph and a wind chill of -5 degrees made the battle even more difficult. “The weather made it challenging to battle this blaze last night,” the department stated in a social media post.
While the temperatures plummet, officials are counting the current death toll this season. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office has issued a public health advisory after confirming that five people have died from hypothermia this winter. Officials warn that additional deaths are under review as potential hypothermia-related fatalities, pending final certification.
“This has been a cold and snowy winter. We have already lost five people to the cold, with at least a comparable number awaiting final certification,” said Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner Dr. Thomas Gilson. “Vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and those with chronic mental illness, are particularly at risk, even when they are indoors without adequate heating. I urge everyone to check on their neighbors and use the County’s warming resources.”
Hypothermia, a dangerous drop in body temperature, can be life-threatening. According to the medical examiner’s office, symptoms include shivering, numbness or weakness, apathy, and loss of consciousness. Officials urge residents to take precautions and be aware of the risks, particularly as cold temperatures persist.
Authorities provided the following recommendations for staying safe during extreme cold:
• Dress in layers and wear a hat, gloves, and a scarf to reduce heat loss.
• Check on neighbors, friends, and family, especially older adults, children, and individuals with medical conditions.
• Stay indoors and monitor weather forecasts for updates.
• Recognize the signs of hypothermia and seek medical help immediately if symptoms arise.
• Utilize warming centers—residents in need of a warm place can visit cuyahogacounty.gov/coldweather or call 211 for assistance.
As temperatures continue to drop, officials emphasize the importance of community vigilance to prevent further tragedies.