PARMA, Ohio — A community is stepping up in a big way to help after a devastating fire displaced numerous residents in Parma Friday night.
Heavy fire damaged 31 apartments at Woodbury Commons on Stumph Road.
By the next day, neighbors started showing up to help. The donations are piling up high at the complex’s clubhouse in plastic bags and on top of tables.
“I get emotional about it only just for the fact that I’m very blessed for the situation I’m in. I'm glad to be able to help all the people, that’s what I do,” Paul Cumby said.
Cumby lives nearby and heard the sirens. But he says he didn’t realize how close he was to a devastating scene and then cleaned out his closet.
“We thought it was a good idea to take all the clothes I don’t fit in and share it with the people who really need it,” Cumby said.
The fire ripped through the third floor, attic and went out the roof. Parma fire said it got there six minutes after the call.
At one point, a ceiling collapsed, injuring a firefighter trying to find people and two buildings were heavily damaged by the flames.
“The big thing for us was just how fast it moved,” Parma Fire spokesman Robert Bures said.
In all, the fire left two firefighters and one police officer injured, along with multiple residents needing to be treated for smoke inhalation on the scene.
RELATED: 2 firefighters injured in large Woodbury Apartments fire in Parma
More than 120 people lost their homes and belongings.
“No one’s going to be able to move back into their apartment,” Bures said.
The Red Cross had volunteers on scene in the middle of the night, helping with immediate needs, like housing. But said most had friends or family offering up space.
"For most people it’s the worst day of their life. They have everything they have in there, all their belongings,” Red Cross Regional Communications Manager Ryan Lang said.
On Saturday, community members started sharing what they could and then some, from clothing to soap, canned foods and small appliances.
“Instead of throwing it away there’s people that need that kind of stuff,” Cumby said.
Rookies Sports Bar and Grill has also started collecting donations and will hold a fundraiser for the fire victims on March 15 from 1 to 4 p.m.
Proceeds from Rookies Sports Bar & Grill's Community Strong Wingding Fundraiser will go to those impacted by the fire.
Tickets cost $25 for the all-you-can-eat-and-drink fundraiser. There will also be a raffle, a 50/50 drawing and live music.
The event will be at Rookies Sports Bar & Grill in Parma Heights, located at 6913 W. 130th St.
Click here to learn more.
Cumby says he’ll return to Woodbury Commons with more donations.
“I’ll do some shopping, absolutely get more stuff cause I’m happy I’m able to afford to do that for them because again they’re in a bad situation,” Cumby said.
Donations can be dropped off at Woodbury Commons Apartments in the clubhouse at 6128 Stumph Rd.
Parma Fire Chief Michael Lasky released a statement on Facebook expressing gratitude to those who helped during the incident.
