Firefighters Save Point Laundry from Major Blaze in Dayton, Ky.

A fire at The Point Laundry in Dayton, Kentucky, on March 26, 2023, was quickly contained thanks to the swift actions of Captain Brent Schafer and his team from the Bellevue-Dayton Fire Department. The incident, which was triggered by a chemical reaction involving mop-heads, led to significant smoke that spread across the area, but damage was limited due to the rapid response of local firefighters.

Incident Overview and Response

The fire erupted at The Point Laundry, which primarily serves hotels and employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Paul Berleman, the manager of the laundry, expressed gratitude for the prompt response that mitigated potential damage. “We lost one dryer and sustained some roof damage, but thankfully no one was injured,” he said.

Captain Schafer noted that the fire was classified as a two-alarm incident due to the intensity of the flames. “There was major combustion outside the facility, and we had to conduct a thorough overhaul,” he explained. The Bellevue-Dayton Fire Department received assistance from neighboring fire units, including those from Southgate, Newport, Fort Thomas, and Silver Grove. Their collaborative efforts prevented further escalation of the situation.

According to Berleman, the fire was exacerbated by dust and wet mops, which ignited and caused flames to breach the roof. “We had laundered similar carts before, but the eleventh one proved to be the ignition point,” he stated.

The Point/Arc’s Mission and Community Impact

The Point Laundry is part of a broader mission by The Point/Arc, a non-profit organization based in Covington, Kentucky. Established in 1969, the organization aims to empower individuals with I/DD through vocational training and community support. Since its inception, The Point/Arc has expanded its services to include various social enterprises, such as The Point Restaurant and The Point Perk Coffee Shop.

Judi Gerding, President and Founder of The Point/Arc, expressed her relief at the firefighters’ effective response. “Things could have been so much worse,” she remarked. “We are fortunate to have a dedicated crew and such quick response time.” Berleman echoed this sentiment, calling the firefighters’ actions “heroic.”

In a light-hearted exchange, Berleman offered the fire department complimentary laundry services, to which Schafer humorously responded that they do not typically handle uniforms. Despite the jest, the camaraderie between the two organizations highlights a strong community spirit.

With operations back to normal by March 28, 2023, The Point Laundry continues its commitment to providing quality services while supporting individuals with disabilities. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community cooperation and rapid emergency response in preventing larger disasters.