Another Fire Fatality

BLUE ROCK, Ohio – The state fire marshal is investigating a house trailer fire that took place on state route 376 just outside Gaysport this afternoon.

Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department Lieutenant Cody Smith described the scene.

“Earlier this afternoon our dispatch center got a call saying there’s a well involved trailer on fire out here on Rockville Road. We got dispatched and on our way to the fire they confirmed there was an entrapment and we requested help from several area departments at that point and when we arrived we had heavy fire throughout the structure and we were able to go and fight the fire at that point,” Smith said.

Smith stated there was one body recovered and the fire is still under investigation.

“Often, when we get into cold weather, you really need to make sure, if you are using an alternative heat source, that it’s a safe alternative heat source, it’s not out of date, it’s not rusted, it’s not able to fall over and catch blankets or furniture or anything on fire,” Smith said. “Especially when we get into the times when we get ice storms. If you’re using those alternative heat sources in place of electric and you’re not used to using them, you need to be very, very, careful. Always have a smoke detector and always have a CO monitor as well.”

Smith thanked Harrison Township, M&M, and Zanesville fire departments for their response.