Firefighters battle Carmel Road home fire

By GREG GRANT
For The Highland County Press

Brushcreek firefighters were called to a house fire in the 440 block of Carmel Road Monday, Feb. 10 at 5:57 p.m.

On arrival, firefighters found a working fire in the residence and quickly went to work to bring the fire under control, but not before extensive damage was done throughout the residence.

The homeowner said that they were not home at the time of the fire. They were returning home, and saw the smoke off in the distance and as they drew closer, they realized the smoke was coming from a familiar place and as they came over the hill found that it was their home ablaze.

A neighbor had already called 911.

The extreme cold temperature, hovering around 11 degrees, made firefighting efforts more difficult. Freezing equipment, ice forming on the road, along with snow on the ground all presented challenges for firefighters.

Radio traffic indicated that one of the first hydrants firefighters used to refill their tankers was frozen, so they had to travel to other locations to fill and return.

Brushcreek firefighters were assisted by Marshall, Paint Creek Joint Fire and Ambulance District, Bainbridge, Perry Township and Benton Township Fire Departments.

South Central Power was called to disconnect electric and the highway department was contacted to salt the roads due to icing conditions.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.