AKRON, Ohio — Three fires in Akron left multiple people displaced and five dogs dead on Tuesday.
The first fire happened in the early afternoon at a home on Davies Avenue where five people live, including Zach Muckus.
Muckus was at work when a kitchen fire started as his 14-month-old daughter, Lilith, was being watched at home by his grandma.
"Thinking about my daughter being in there, that really tears me up, but I'm just trying to keep things together for everybody," Muckus told News 5.
He raced back home and learned that his baby was safe in the back of an ambulance.
While all those who live in the house are safe, almost all of their belongings were lost, and the family's four dogs died in the fire.
"We all loved them very much. They were living healthy, so they probably had some good years left in them," Muckus said.
Less than three hours later, first responders were on the scene of a second fire that heavily damaged Summit Tires Express on East Cuyahoga Falls Avenue.
About an hour later, just after 5:30 p.m., in the 60 block of Rose Boulevard, there was a third fire, this time at a multi-unit home.
According to the Akron Fire Department, when firefighters arrived, the house was engulfed in heavy smoke, and flames were coming from the back.
Crews were able to knock down the fire and ventilate the home.
No one was injured, but Taylor Young lost her dog Stella in the fire.
Taylor's mom told News 5 that Taylor lost all of her belongings except for her Christmas tree.
Two residents were displaced, and the Red Cross was called to help.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation.
Brian Glasscock from the Red Cross's disaster action team said it's incredibly difficult for people to deal with fires during the holiday season.
"This is a time when you know people are looking to turn to family and spend some time with loved ones, and when a fire like this happens, it can be absolutely devastating for our neighbors," Glasscock said.
Glasscock also said volunteers assisted the fire victims on Davies Avenue and Rose Boulevard, and that when disasters like these occur, emotional support is provided along with practical items such as blankets and toiletries.
"If someone is displaced from their home, we will provide immediate financial assistance that clients can use for what is best for their recovery," Glasscock said.
Despite all of the heartache, Muckus said he is counting his blessings.
"Everything that we lost can be replaced. Lives can't be replaced," Muckus said.
The Red Cross said it's always looking for volunteers to respond to local disasters, and if you'd like to help out financially, you can donate and earmark funds for disaster relief.
Two GoFundMe accounts have been set up to help those affected. CLICK HERE and HERE for more information.
