No injuries in Fostoria fire Saturday

FOSTORIA – A Fostoria home burned late Saturday afternoon. The fire in the 400 block of McDougal Street was reported to Fostoria Fire Division at 4:27 p.m. and personnel remained on scene for about four hours. The fire began on the first floor, according to Fostoria Fire Division Chief Jason Root, and the second floor of the structure collapsed during firefighting measures. The home is a total loss, he said. A home to the west of the residence had its exterior and siding damaged by the blaze. "We had no injuries to fire personnel or residents," Root told the A-T. "There are three dogs and one cat that are still unaccounted for. If they got out (of the residence) they have not been found. They are presumed to be deceased." While the cause of the fire is not determined, he said a potential cause has been identified through talking with the residents of the structure. "This (fire) was kind of leading back to potential alternative heating sources, we want people to be very safe when they use space heaters," Root said. "That (space heaters) is a potential (cause) for this fire. Make sure that you keep your pets away from them (space heaters). If you do leave the house, turn them down lower and make sure pets can't get to them and knock them over." Seneca County CERT, Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division and Seneca County Sheriff's Office were called to assist at the scene. "CERT is called in often bay the PD (police department) and they're used for blocking the roads and at the same time they also help us with rehab," he explained. "They did get us some food and beverages." Fostoria Fire Division has smoke detectors available for Fostoria residents. Contact the department at 419-435-3206 for more information.