WTUZ News reporting – For over thirteen hours, officials remained on scene for an early morning fire in the Village of Newcomerstown.
The call came in Monday at 1:36 am, as units were dispatched to 429 Spaulding Avenue.
State Fire Marshal’s Office Investigator Brian Peterman told news outlets and others during a Tuesday afternoon conference call that there was evidence of multiple types of supplemental heat sources in the home.
“There was evidence that we found at the scene that a wood burner was being used, kerosene heaters were being used, electric space heaters were being used, and most likely not in the proper manner. With the below zero [degree] weather, there was a family of six trying to do whatever they could to stay warm. Unfortunately, with those devices, there are hazards that go along with that.”
No evidence of smoke detectors was present, but damage in the structure made it difficult to determine exactly what was present.
The Tuscarawas County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene, and the marshal’s office released Tuesday that a total of six occupants perished in the fire, with their identities still being withheld.
The home is believed to have been a rental property, and officials are working on contacting the owner.
Assisting units included Delaware Valley Joint, Arrowhead Joint, Three Rivers, Stone Creek, and West Lafayette.
Additional counselors and support staff at West Elementary will be on-site for students as they return to school on January 3rd.
More to follow as details become available.
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