2 Early Morning Fires Under Investigation

Two houses on Collier Drive were evacuated early Friday morning after a fire was discovered in the yard of one residence.

A second fire was also reported at nearby Muraski Elementary School.

That makes at least five blazes this year on Collier Drive. Early March 13, on the street.

In Friday's incident, a Westwood Park resident called authorities about 5:10 a.m. to report the woods behind her house on Collier Drive were on fire.

When authorities arrived, they also found a paper recycling container at  -- less than 100 feet away -- was also burning, a report said.

Fire Chief Jeff Branic said the first fire was in a 10-by-10 wood storage building at the back of 20293 Collier Drive.

The fire spread to wood stockade fencing and some large trees nearby. 

The shed and its contents were a total loss, with damage estimated at $4,000.

Firefighters then put out the burning recycling container, which also suffered damage to the tune of about $2,000.

Branic said the fires were separate -- one did not spread to the other location.

Both fires were under control by 5:30 a.m. and extinguished by 5:40. Branic said 13 firefighters were at the scene.

Detective Lt. John Janowski said said the cause of the fires remained under investigation Monday. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Strongsville police at 440-238-7333. 

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