By Miles Layton
Big storm ahead in coastal Carolina, though I have yet to see a snowflake fall from the sky. That said, I’m told there’s snow falling in Columbia, Ocracoke, certainly the barrier islands.
Since I don’t see anything posted about two fires on the local corporate newspaper site in Athens, Ohio, I thought I’d write a quick fire story that happened for our readers in that neck of the woods, particularly since I recognize the East State Street house that caught on fire — near where Berry Dilley used to live. The second fire was near the Union Street Diner. Snow on the ground, icy too. Looks like the Athens Fire Department was busy — kudos to Chief Rob Rymer and fire crews for their service to the community.
ATHENS, Ohio — Firefighters battled two structure fires in frigid temperatures Friday evening and into Saturday morning, displacing eight residents and prompting responses from multiple emergency agencies.
The Athens Fire Department was first dispatched at approximately 5:45 p.m. Friday to a report of smoke inside a structure at 240 E. State St. Upon arrival, crews found an active fire on the first floor. Officials said the fire appeared to have started in the basement area before quickly extending to the first and second floors.
Frigid temperatures hampered firefighting conditions; however, crews were able to bring the blaze under control within a couple of hours. Four occupants were displaced by the fire. The cause remains under investigation.
Several hours later, at approximately 12:05 a.m. Saturday, the Athens Fire Department was dispatched to another structure fire at 82 1/2 W. Union St. When firefighters arrived, they found an active fire in the kitchen and attic areas of the building.
Officials said the second fire was quickly brought under control. Four occupants were also displaced as a result of that incident. As with the earlier blaze, the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Despite the challenging conditions and the severity of both fires, authorities reported no injuries or casualties in either incident.
The Athens Fire Department credited the successful response to the cooperation of multiple agencies and departments. Officials thanked Richland Area Fire, The Plains Fire, Waterloo Fire, Chauncey-Dover Fire, and York Township Fire for their assistance at both scenes.
Additional support was provided by the Athens Police Department, Ohio University Police Department, American Electric Power, and Columbia Gas, which assisted with traffic control, utility services, and safety measures.
Fire officials said the combined efforts of local and regional partners helped ensure that both fires were contained quickly and safely, preventing further damage and protecting nearby properties.
Investigations into the causes of both fires remain ongoing. Fire officials said updates will be released as more information becomes available.
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