House fire

The Van Wert Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire at 209 W. Fourth St. in Van Wert at 10:05 a.m. Wednesday. Upon arrival, at 10:10 a.m., firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the structure. Flames were discovered coming from the rear of the structure and were quickly extinguished. The fire was determined to be under control at 11:21 Wednesday morning. No one was injured and residents of the house were able to exit the structure prior the fire department’s arrival. A pet dog was rescued from the fire and revived at the scene. Damage to the structure was substantial, with the loss valued at $65,000. A total of 10 firefighters and five vehicles were on scene, while the police department and American Red Cross also assisted at the scene. Cause of the fire was determined to be improper use of a heating device to defrost frozen water pipes and the fire was ruled an accident. VWFD photo