West Side Trash Can Fire Under Investigation

Ladder Company 7 was called to investigate an alarm at an apartment building on the 6700 block of Schroeder Rd. Friday. Nobody was evacuating the building when they arrived around 5:40 p.m., and firefighters saw no smoke or flames during their initial size-up of the building.
 
During an investigation of common areas, one firefighter forced open a locked basement door and was confronted by smoke and fire. The firefighter shut the door and requested additional crews to the scene.
 
Firefighters re-entered the room and knocked down the fire, finding that it originated from a trash can near the wash machine. The 30-gallon can was completely melted and appeared to contain clothes and aluminum cans.
 
Engine 7 assisted Ladder 7 in ventilating the property, and firefighters began interviewing possible witnesses. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.