Firefighters of the Bellefontaine Fire Department and several other fire departments providing mutual aid had a busy start to the summer season on Memorial Day, May 26, responding to two separate structure fires in the city, the first just before 9 a.m. and the second at 3:42 p.m.
In the first structure fire, BFD along with mutual aid from Tri-Valley, West Liberty and Huntsville fire departments, responded to 616 Oakwood Drive, Bellefontaine.
Two firefighters reportedly were injured in the blaze after drywall and other ceiling debris fell on them as they entered the structure. Both firefighters were transported to Mary Rutan Hospital, and one firefighter later was transferred to the OSU Weiner Medical Center for treatment of burn injuries, according to preliminary reports.
No physical injuries were reported to the home’s occupants. Patricia Forsythe owns the home, according to Logan County Auditor records, and she was home at the time of the fire. The family’s dogs also escaped the home without injury.
The cause and origin of the blaze has yet to be determined.
Some units of the Bellefontaine Fire Department participating in the Memorial Day parade downtown at the time of the incident were diverted to the fire scene.
Firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames were emanating from the single-story brick home upon arrival. Parade-goers at the Bellefontaine Cemetery also observed smoke in the area.
Damage was significant, with a large hole burned through the center of the roof. Further information was unavailable at press time, as firefighters were out on scene of the second structure fire.
In the second fire, Bellefontaine firefighters, with mutual aid from Tri-Valley Fire & EMS and Huntsville Fire Department, responded to 120 Blair Ave.
Homeowner Gary Kiser was checked by paramedics at the scene. His neighbors also reported his two dogs escaped the house as well.
Check back for further updates.
