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Crews on the scene of a fire at Villager Apartments Friday morning, Jan. 9. Click to enlarge

CENTERVILLE — Donations will be accepted Saturday, Jan. 10, at the site of a three-alarm fire that forced residents of the Villager Apartment complex out of their homes.

The fire, reported at 7:42 a.m. Friday, was apparently started by a resident cooking chicken and engulfed two buildings in the complex off Far Hills Avenue.

No residents were injured but two firefighters were taken to the hospital, one for minor injuries from slipping on the ice and the other for heat exhaustion, according to Washington Twp. fire spokesman Rich Palmer.

Fire Chief Bill Gaul said fire crews had problems because they had to lay long lines because they couldn't get trucks near the building. Then, a water main broke beneath an adjacent parking lot, the fire crews lost water pressure and they had to connect hoses to another line.

Palmer said the man cooking attempted to use a fire extinguisher on the fire and then tried to call 911 but had no phone service. He escaped and called 911 from his cell phone, Palmer said.

Palmer said six of the eight units in the two buildings were affected by the fire, with four suffering extensive damage. Several residents in the damaged building did not carry renters insurance, he said.

The complex is owned by the Connor Group. Partner Pat Rini said the complex was making eight units available to those displaced by the fire.

"We're just happy that no one was injured and everyone escaped unharmed," he said Friday.

Rini said those affected by the fire will get a refund of their January rent and $500 to help them get back on their feet.

He also said donations will be accepted today from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the clubhouse, which is located at 6300 Fireside Drive, behind Elsa's. Rini said the residents need donations of food staples, toiletries, newer coats, home furnishings, silverware, dinnerware, coffee makers, and gift cards.

Fire officials were still determining a damage estimate, Palmer said.

Questions about the displaced residents and efforts to assist them can be directed to the apartment management: Connor and Murphy Properties, Villager Apartments, 6300 Fireside Drive, Centerville, OH, 45459, or by calling 433-3213.