Mary Alice Reporting –
An investigation will occur into a cause and origin of a duplex blaze.
Wednesday night, New Philadelphia and other fire departments responded to Southwood Drive.
Captain Robert Snyder says that reports indicated heavy fire and two juveniles being on a porch roof to escape. They were down by the time units arrived.
He adds that as they responded, a column of smoke was observed.
“It was a duplex [and] there was a good amount of fire and smoke in both of those. Initially, crews went in and did a search to make sure nobody else was trapped. The building is a complete loss. Everything inside is destroyed, either by fire, smoke, heat, or water damage. We gave a [damage] estimate of $350,000.”
As fire came through the building’s roof, a strategy shift saw firefighters exiting the structure to fight the blaze outside.
Snyder adds that a dog was located on the porch roof, and they were able to use a ladder to retrieve the pet. No injuries are reported.
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