By Miles Layton
MEIGS COUNTY, Ohio — Two people were found deceased early Friday morning, Feb. 6, 2026, following a structure fire at a residence on Old State Route 346, according to Meigs County Sheriff Scott Fitch.
Since I don’t see the local corporate media posting anything about this fatal fire, and because I know a lot of folks in Meigs County, I figure I might as well do what I’ve always done — report the news in rural America.
The Meigs County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a report of the fire at approximately 4 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at the 2800 block of Old State Route 346 in Albany, not too far from the Athens County border. The scene is about 2-3 miles west of the intersection of State Routes 32 and 50. Deputies and local fire departments were immediately dispatched to the scene.
Responding crews, working in frigid temperatures with snow on the ground, battled the blaze under control — the structure was heavily damaged, with the roof and front porch charred from the flames.
After the fire was extinguished, authorities discovered two deceased individuals inside the home. Their identities have not been released, pending notification of next of kin — nor would this media outlet report those names until they are officially released by the authorities. Prayers for the family.
Deputies requested assistance from the Meigs County Coroner, Dr. Daniel Whiteley who responded to the scene to begin the process of determining the cause and manner of death. The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office has also been contacted and is assisting with the investigation into the origin and cause of the blaze.
Several emergency agencies responded to the call, including the Columbia Fire Department, Albany Fire Department, Richland Fire Department, Meigs EMS, the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office, and York Township Box 5. Their coordinated efforts helped bring the fire under control and secure the area.
“Our crews responded early this morning to a structure fire that, sadly, claimed two lives. Incidents like these weigh heavily on everyone involved. We are grateful for the teamwork and support from our mutual aid partners,” Columbia Township VFD posted to social media,
Speaking to the Albemarle Observer, Fitch said, as of Friday, the incident remains under active investigation.
Authorities have not released further details about what may have caused the fire, citing respect for the families involved.
“At this time, we will not be sharing additional details out of respect for the families involved,” Columbia VFD said. “Please keep their loved ones and our entire community in your thoughts and prayers.”
Columbia VFD’s post expressed appreciation for community members who offered support at the scene.
“We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the thoughtful ladies who came by with food for our crews,” the statement said. “Your kindness and support mean more than you know on long, difficult days like today.”
Sheriff Fitch echoed that sentiment, asking residents to remember the victims and their families during this difficult time. More information will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with news tips about Meigs County, certainly Southeast Ohio, send them to mileslayton1969@gmail.com
