Fire in Newton Falls damages 3 houses

An early-morning blaze in the city caused nearly $90,000 in damages to the homes.

STAFF REPORT

NEWTON FALLS — A fire in the city damaged three houses on Ophelia Street.

Just after 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, the Newton Falls Fire Department was called to a blaze at 505 Ophelia St.

Fire Chief Richard Bauman said the fire originated in a garage located behind the residence and spread to the side of the home. The garage was a total loss, and the house had some damage.

He said because of blowing winds the fire spread to two other nearby residences — 467 and 511 Ophelia — causing fire and heat damage to the garages and homes on both properties.

“It spread because of the wind blowing out of the northwest,” Bauman said. “There’s only 20 feet or less between the houses, and with the wind blowing like that, it carried the fire.”

Bauman said the strong winds made it difficult to control the fires at first, and several other agencies were called in.

“I believe we cleared the scene somewhere around 9:30 a.m.,” he said. “We had to call in Trumbull County Haz-Mat, Warren Fire Department, Braceville Fire Department, the state fire investigator and the American Red Cross.”

He said no one was injured, and a Newton Falls police officer helped the homeowner of 505 Ophelia to safety before firefighters arrived.

Total losses for all three homes are estimated to be between $80,000 and $90,000, Bauman said.

Bauman said the cause of the fire is undetermined, and the Ohio State Fire Marshall will be handling the investigation.