LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – The Lima Police and Fire departments are investigating a possible arson fire that left one person dead and two others injured Friday night.
Crews were called to 410 Ewing Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Friday. The home was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived, and one person who remained inside died in the fire. Three others were able to escape, and two of them were taken to Mercy Health -St. Rita’s Medical Center for treatment.
One of the occupants told police that another individual used an accelerant to start the fire to trap the others in the burning home.
Detectives say that out of respect for the survivors and the family of the deceased, no names are being released at this time.
The victim’s body has been sent for an autopsy, and Lima Fire Arson Investigators are working with Lima Police detectives to gather more information about the incident.
Media Release from the Lima Police Department
On 11/28/2025, at about 8:30 p.m., The Lima Fire Department and officers from the Lima Police Department were dispatched to 410 Ewing Avenue in reference to a house fire. One of the callers indicated that one subject was still in the residence, which was engulfed in flames. Both departments responded but were unable to enter the home due to the extent of the fire already burning a vast majority of the first floor of the residence.
Upon speaking to one of the occupants who made it out of the burning residence, it was learned that one of the occupants allegedly used an accelerant to start the fire, in an apparent attempt to quickly burn the residence with the occupants inside. Three of the four occupants made it out of the house, and two of them were treated for injuries sustained during the fire, at Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center.
Out of respect for the survivors who made it out of the residence, and the family of the individual who died in the fire, as well as the integrity of the ongoing investigation, none of the occupants' names or personal information is being released at this time.
Any questions can be directed to Detective Sergent Steve Stechschulte, at the Lima Police Department. Further information will be obtained through an autopsy and the Lima Fire Arson Investigator's findings.
