Multiple fires damage properties in Seneca County

Local firefighters were busy with multiple fires in the area this week. Bascom Joint Fire District, Bascom EMS, Bettsville Volunteer Fire Department and the Echo unit responded to a house fire Wednesday night. The fire at 2851 N. CR 11 was reported at 10:41 p.m. Assistant Chief Chris Daniel of the Bascom Joint Fire District said though the cause of the fire was yet to be determined, the origin of the fire was discovered to be in a trash can in the bathroom. All occupants exited safely and were evaluated by the EMS but no one was transported from the scene. Firefighters were on the scene until 12:40 a.m. and "managed to contain the fire to one space, but there was heavy smoke throughout the house," Daniel said. The property damage is estimated at $20,000, he said. Daniel added that the family will be staying with relatives. Wednesday afternoon, Old Fort Volunteer Fire Department responded to a garage fire at 6822 N. SR 53. Firefighters fought the fire in the unattached garage from 12:10 p.m. until 1:30 p.m., but the garage was damaged beyond repair and was destroyed, Chief Craig Mellott of the Old Fort Volunteer Fire Department said. Melott estimated the property damage at $25,000 and damage to contents at about $12,000. The cause of the fire was undetermined Wednesday, Mellott said. There was no one inside the garage and no one was hurt. The owner of the property is Aaron Riehm, Melott said. Tiffin Fire Rescue Division and North Central EMS also responded to the scene Wednesday afternoon. Also Wednesday afternoon Tiffin Fire Rescue Division responded to a cooking fire at Tiffin University Gillmor Student Center, 158 Miami St. The fire was contained within a container on the stove, Chief Kevin Veletean of Tiffin Fire Rescue Division said.