Conneaut, OH – Last night at approximately 9 PM, Conneaut Fire and Rescue crews responded to a reported structure fire near 670 Harbor Street. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a residential structure with heavy involvement in the rear of the structure, extending to a vehicle in the driveway and threatening a nearby detached garage. Faced with extreme conditions, additional resources were requested from Erie County, PA, and Ashtabula County, OH, to combat the fire.

The call for assistance was answered swiftly, with units from Ashtabula Township, Andover, Platea, Springfield, and Lake City joining the fight. Support also came in the form of Kingsville ambulance along with a specialized rehab unit from Lake City. These crews worked tirelessly in frigid, sub-zero temperatures that added layers of difficulty to the already challenging conditions.

The cold weather dealt a critical setback to initial firefighting efforts, as two nearby hydrants - conveniently located almost directly across the street - were frozen and inoperable. This forced crews to utilize an operational hydrant at 12th and Beaver Streets, approximately a couple of blocks away. To maintain a steady water supply, a tanker shuttle task force was employed, highlighting the need for tankers and also the dedication and coordination of all responding units.

As the fire continued, crews faced additional challenges when it was discovered that the basement stairs had burned out, leaving no direct access to the fire’s source. This required innovative tactics, including the deployment of cellar nozzles through holes cut in the floor above the basement. Despite these efforts, the stubborn blaze, coupled with the punishing cold, kept firefighters on the scene for an extended period.

Ultimately, the fire was brought under control through sheer determination, expertise, and teamwork. The combined efforts of local and neighboring fire departments showcased their commitment to protecting lives and property, even under the harshest conditions. One individual was transported from the scene to University Hospital’s Brown Memorial for medical treatment.