KIRTLAND, Ohio – Fire officials in Kirtland said the blaze that ripped through the maintenance building at Holden Arboretum sparked just before 9 p.m. Monday and caused extensive damage.
A car port and garage, also located on Sperry Road, were engulfed in flames, which damaged seven vehicles and equipment stored inside the garage.
The investigation continues, but damage has been estimated between $500,000 to $1 million.
Investigators are hoping to determine the cause before the day is over, but said the fire was accidental so no arson was involved.
A storage shed with hazardous chemicals was very close to the damaged maintenance building, but wasn’t affected.
Firefighters from Willoughby, Burton, Middlefield and Chesterland fire departments helped put the flames out.
The Holden Arboretum is one of the largest arboretums and botanical gardens in the U.S.
