Pickaway County, Ohio — A serious structure fire prompted the shutdown of U.S. Route 23 in the area of the 18000 block of U.S. 23 as emergency crews work to contain an active and dangerous scene.
Authorities report that all occupants safely evacuated the home, but the situation was dangerous after a gas line was reportedly breached, fueling the fire and making containment efforts more difficult. Along with that, the house is close to other structures in the area, causing them to be in threat of igniting also.
Firefighters from the Harrison Township Fire Department were on scene, along with multiple neighboring departments providing mutual aid. Tanker trucks have also been called in to assist with the water supply as crews battle the out-of-control blaze.
One home was completely destroyed, and a second home received fire and heat damage along with vehicles and outbuildings surrounding the home.
Due to the severity of the fire and ongoing emergency response, U.S. 23 was shut down in the immediate area for an hour. One person, whose identity is unknown whether they were a resident or a firefighter, was injured in the fire and was transported to Berger Hospital.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
