Thornville Fire Claims 3 Lives ***Update***

The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office says two adults and one child died in a Tuesday morning fire on Cristland Hill Road in Licking County. The call for help came in at 10:15 am. Public Information Officer Brian Bohnert says the fire started in the kitchen area and the home had only one smoke detector and it was not operational. Nine area fire departments responded to the scene and had the fire under control by 11:08 am. The victims of the fire are identified as 72-year-old Dennis Erckert, 49-year-old Kelly Waters and 6-year-old Jeremiah Rutter. All were found in the home by firefighters after extinguishing the substantial blaze. Licking County Sheriffs Detectives are assisting the State Fire Marshall’s Office. No foul play is suspected.