Conneaut, OH – This afternoon at around 4:30 PM this afternoon, the Springfield Vol. Fire Dept. was dispatched for an engine to assist Conneaut with a reported working structure fire in the vicinity of 300 block of Liberty Street. Shortly after the initial dispatch, crews were advised of a full assist to Conneaut for a reported working fire in a two-story structure with two houses now on fire. Springfield’s Engine 643 and Engine 644 responded to the fire on Liberty Street.

Initially, the City of Conneaut Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 300 block of Liberty Street. Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire conditions and immediately requested additional alarms. Mutual aid was provided by Kingsville Township Fire Department, Ashtabula Township Fire, Ashtabula City Fire, Monroe Township Volunteer Fire Department, and Springfield Volunteer Fire Department.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire involvement in the primary residence, as well as a detached garage located behind the structure. Crews launched an aggressive fire attack on the main residence while simultaneously working to protect a neighboring home to the west from exposure. During the response, a second structure to the east ignited, with flames rapidly spreading through the attic space. Operations remained defensive, with crews deploying multiple handlines, deck guns, and ground monitors to deliver a high volume of water in a short amount of time.

Multiple hydrants were tapped to ensure sufficient water supply for suppression efforts. Ashtabula City Fire Department positioned their aerial apparatus to gain a height advantage, allowing for elevated water flow to hard-to-reach areas of the fire.

Crews were ultimately faced with three active structure fires: a residential home, a vacant neighboring structure, and the detached garage. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to these three buildings, successfully preventing further spread to adjacent properties. Two nearby structures sustained exterior damage mainly from heat.

The Ohio State Fire Marshal has been requested to investigate the incident and was on scene investigating. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Crews faced heat indices of over 90 degrees during the first couple hours of operations on scene.