Recovery Goes on a Year After Ohio Gas Fires

Residents are still getting their lives back together a year after natural gas fires tore through dozens of buildings in northeast Ohio.

Marie Bonczek and Bill Brewer lost their homes and all their belongings in the fires last Jan. 24 in Fairport Harbor, about 30 miles northeast of Cleveland. Both say they’re continuing to struggle with insurance companies over rebuilding costs.

The News-Herald of Willoughby reports Bonczek is still staying with a friend. Brewer says the memories make it tough to sleep.

At least seven houses were destroyed and about two dozen others were damaged. No injuries were reported.

Gas company Dominion East Ohio says it found fluids and debris in a regulator that failed.

The utility says it has taken steps to enhance safety.