Home caught fire previously in May
For the second time in about four months, the home at 527 Walker St., has caught fire.
Bellefontaine firefighters responded about 12:48 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1, to the two-story structure fire, after city police reported seeing smoke coming from the rear of the residence.
Heavy flames and smoke were coming from the east side of the home and roof when firefighters arrived.
Two firefighters reportedly sustained minor injuries battling the blaze and were taken to Mary Rutan Hospital for treatment.
Homeowner Wendy Putt was not home at the time of the fire. She has been living in temporary housing elsewhere in Bellefontaine since being displaced from the residence by a previous fire May 10.
Putt’s dog is believed to have caused the May fire when it jumped on a bed and caused some bedding to fall onto a space heater.
Putt said city police told her possible squatters had been trespassing in the vacant home prior to Sunday’s fire.
Damage estimates and a cause for Sunday’s fire were not immediately available.
Firefighters remained on scene until about 4 a.m.
Bellefontaine firefighters were assisted by Macochee Joint Ambulance District, Huntsville Fire, Richland Township Fire and Bellefontaine police.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Ridgeway Fire Chief Jim Newland was retired from that position.
