One taken into custody following structure fire
Lights from law enforcement vehicles can be seen in the background. Photo by Madalyn Wood.
SYRACUSE, Ohio – Two departments responded to a structure fire in Syracuse on Oct. 19, 2017.
A duplex on Fourth Street was reportedly fully involved, but once firefighters were on scene, discovered the fire was on the second floor in one apartment. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze to the upstairs and to the one apartment.
Meigs County Sheriff’s Deputies along with law enforcement from the Pomeroy and Middleport Police Departments were on the scene as well. In what allegedly started as a domestic dispute, became something more involved. According to Syracuse Assistant Fire Chief Eber Pickens, Jr., the fire may have been intentionally set. The state fire marshal has been called in to investigate.
Firefighters were able to rescue the dogs from the fire. The two dogs were allegedly discovered in inhumane conditions. The smell of dog feces was noticeable even outside of the duplex. The Meigs County Dog Warden was called to pick up the dogs.
One male was taken into custody. At the time of publication, the name had not been released. The investigation is ongoing and will also involve several agencies.
Firefighters from both Syracuse and Racine Departments responded with a total of 35 firefighters. “Once again mutual aid paid off,” said Assistant Chief Pickens as the fire was quickly contained.
Meigs EMS Medic 2 was also on scene. The Syracuse Fire Department remained on the scene for several hours.
The Meigs Independent Press will update this story as more information becomes available.
ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY PHOTOJOURNALIST MADALYN WOOD.
