State fire marshal investigating Columbiana County blazes

SALEM — The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating eight suspicious fires that have occurred in Columbiana County since Sept. 23.

Cara Keithley, a spokeswoman for the fire marshal’s office, said Friday, “It’s too early to say if they are connected.”

The fires included barns and hay, a garage, a camper and a home under construction.

The location of the fires ranged from Hanoverton to Wellsville and East Liverpool.

Keithley said, “The concern is that there is a large number of unexplained fires in close proximity in a small amount of time.”

The fire marshal’s office is seeking information from the public and encourages anyone who may know something about the fires to call the investigative unit at (800) 589-2728.

The Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office is also investigating.