In the pre-dawn silence of Saturday, June 28, 2025, a fire in the laundry room of the Cedar Ridge Apartments residential complex in Medina shattered the peace and homes of at least 30 families. The fire, which residents say originated due to faulty wiring, left the entire complex without electricity and hot water, forcing all tenants to vacate their apartments by July 15. While the Red Cross offers limited aid and the management of the complex issues eviction notices, residents like Tiffany Schwartz are fighting not only with the loss of property but also with the system's indifference that seems to prioritize business interests over people's needs. This tragedy unfolding in the suburbs of Cleveland serves as a stark reminder of tenant vulnerability and the systemic issues of outdated infrastructure.
The Night That Changed Everything
At 3:00 am, Tiffany Schwartz, a mother of two, woke up to her boyfriend's screams about a fire. “I ran out and saw flames three doors away from our apartment,” she recounted in an interview. “I started knocking on all the doors to wake up the neighbors.” Her quick response likely saved lives but couldn't prevent her home from suffering the consequences. Although the fire destroyed only a few apartments, damage to the electrical system blacked out the entire complex. According to Schwartz, wiring problems in the laundry room were known but the complex’s management ignored them. “This isn't the first time we've complained,” she said. “But no one did anything.”
The Medina fire chief, Larry Walters, told News5Cleveland that the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but preliminary data points to an electrical fault. This confirms a broader issue: according to the National Fire Protection Association, faulty wiring causes 6% of residential fires in the U.S., resulting in an estimated $1.3 billion in annual damages. In Medina, where aging multi-family complexes like Cedar Ridge often go without proper maintenance, such incidents become tragically foreseeable.
Evictions and Despair
By Tuesday, July 1, residents who initially hoped to remain in their apartments without electricity received a letter from Cedar Ridge management that turned their lives upside down. The letter stated that restoring power would require months of repairs and offered three vacant units on a first-come, first-served basis. The remaining 28 households, including Schwartz’s family, were offered “mutual lease termination” with an eviction deadline of July 15. “I moved here just four months ago,” Schwartz said, fighting back tears. “I spent all my savings on moving and furniture for the children. Now we have nowhere to go.”
The regional operations director and the complex manager did not respond to requests for comment, heightening residents’ anger. “I want them to show at least some compassion,” Schwartz added. “This isn't just business; these are our homes.” Her story reflects a broader issue in Ohio, where, according to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, a shortage of affordable housing in Medina County forces low-income families to struggle for each apartment. In 2024, the average rent in Medina increased by 7%, reaching $1,200 per month, making it nearly impossible for displaced residents to find new housing.
The Red Cross and Broken Promises
The Red Cross arrived at Cedar Ridge at 6:00 am on Saturday, distributing water, snacks, and blankets. According to regional communications director Kristi Peters, the organization offered temporary housing, but only one pregnant woman accepted the offer, as management assured that electricity would be restored within 24–48 hours. This promise proved false, and Schwartz claims the Red Cross did not contact all residents. “No one came to my door,” she said. “We heard about shelter from the National Guard, but then it was canceled.”
Peters assured that the Red Cross is ready to provide additional aid if needs change, but for many residents, the offer was too late. According to the American Red Cross, in 2024 the organization assisted 2,300 families in Ohio affected by fires, but limited resources and a lack of coordination with local authorities often hinder effective support.
The fire at Cedar Ridge is part of an alarming trend in Ohio, where outdated infrastructure and lack of oversight of multi-family complexes lead to tragedies. In Cleveland, recent shootings at Euclid Beach and cuts in federal research funding highlight the region's vulnerability. In Medina, a quiet suburb of 26,000 residents, similar incidents are rare but expose systemic problems. Data from the Ohio Fire Marshal show that in 2023, there were 12,400 residential fires across the state, of which 18% were caused by electrical issues. The absence of strict safety inspections in complexes like Cedar Ridge only worsens the situation.
Residents like Schwartz are not giving up. She plans to contest the 15-day eviction notice by seeking legal aid. “I want to be heard,” she said. “This cannot happen again.” Her call to action reflects community sentiments — recently expressed during the Ukrainian Festival in North Royalton and the 100th anniversary of Cleveland Hopkins Airport — now fighting for basic rights. Medina Mayor Dennis Hanafelt has called for an investigation into Cedar Ridge conditions and promised to cooperate with the county to provide temporary housing.
A Look to the Future
As investigators examine the burnt remains of the laundry room and residents pack their belongings, Medina faces a test. Will this community, known for its peaceful charm and historic fairs, be able to support those who lost everything? For Schwartz and her neighbors, the answer depends on whether local authorities, the Red Cross, and activists can unite efforts. In a city striving for solidarity, this fire is not only a tragedy but also a call to action—to protect the most vulnerable and prevent future disasters.
