Fires keep first responders active

MARION – Fire departments across Marion County cut their lunch breaks short as a trio of fires were called in around noon within 90 minutes of one another.

The spree of reported fires began around 12:40 p.m. Tuesday as Marion City Fire engines responded to a large structure fire at 499 N. State St., just south of Short Street.

Assistant Fire Chief Rob Cowell said a few of the 15 people living in the home noticed a fire in the upstairs bedroom. They all made it outside before a Marion City Fire Department engine arrtived to the scene.

Cowell said the fire was caused by an extension cord. Flames burned a hole in the back of the home, filling the second-story with smoke. Firefighters used ladders to get upstairs and contain the fire to one room.

Marion Police officers were called to the scene after a person was acting aggressively with fire officials. Chief Bill Collins said they were able to stop any trouble without incident. Police stayed to direct traffic at Mark Street for nearly three hours while crews attended the fire.

The fire caused $10,000 in structural damage and about $5,000 in loss contents according to early estimations by investigators. No one was injured.

The American Red Cross has been called out to assist the family.

Three miles southwest of two-story blaze, Marion Township crews returned to the scene of Monday's fire to knock down an apparent rekindle.

Chief Brian Taylor said there was "a little attic fire" at 808 Underwood Ave. that "smoldered overnight" following a larger fire from Monday.

One person was injured in that Monday event that caused about $60,000 in damage. A 4-year-old girl spotted the fire and woke her family members, allowing them to escape safely.

A cause to that fire remains undetermined. Red Cross officials are assisting the five adults and two children who were living in the home with long-term recovery.

A third fire was called in Prospect shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Units from Battle Run, Pleasant, Fort Morrow and Radnor in Delaware County responded to reports of smoke filling up a house at 307 E. Water St., but Capt. Eric Christ said the fire was started outside by discarded cigarette butts.

Christ said there were no injuries and damage to the home was minimal.

nbechtel@marionstar.com

740-375-5155

Twitter: @NickMStar