January 14, 2025, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Commerce: Columbus, Ohio – As frigid temperatures settle into Ohio, the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Divisions of State Fire Marshal (SFM) and Industrial Compliance (DIC) are offering some simple tips on how to heat your home safely while avoiding costly repairs. With home heating equipment being one of the leading causes of fire deaths each year, Ohio Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon reminds Ohioans to make sure they keep fire prevention top of mind as they heat their homes this winter, particularly during the upcoming cold spell.

A malfunctioning kitchen appliance is believed to be the cause of a fire in an apartment on the north side of Lima Friday afternoon. The Lima Fire Department was called out to 2140 Lake Circle drive just before one for reports of fire in a kitchen of an upstairs apartment.  The residents were able to get out and the firefighters found that malfunctioning stove was the cause of the fire.  The extensive fire damage was contained to the apartment, mostly in the kitchen area.  But there was smoke and water damage to the other apartments in the building.  No estimate on the cost of the damage. 

After further investigation by multiple agencies, it has been determined the fire at 1201 North McDonel Street was not caused by a lithium-ion battery from a hover board, but rather by food left on the stove. An engineer from the battery company, an insurance investigator, and an arson investigator all looked at the fire again and came to the same conclusion, the battery did not play a part in the blaze.

Fire crews were out early to battle a blaze at a home in Monroe Township.