DELPHOS — Careless smoking is believed to have been the cause of a fire that caused in excess of $100,000 in damages to a residential dwelling in Delphos on Thursday.
A spokesman for the Delphos Fire Department said crews were dispatched at 12:32 p.m. Thursday to 710 Bank St. in reference to an active fire at the dual-apartment structure. Upon their arrival firefighters found heavy fire and smoke coming from the front porch of the dwelling and spreading into the second floor and attic areas. Occupants of the apartments had exited the home prior to firefighters’ arrival.
The blaze was deemed accidental and the structure, owned by Mike Mesker, was deemed a total loss. The spokesman said the fire is believed to have originated on the front porch and was likely caused by a stray cigarette.
Mutual aid was provided at the scene by the American Township and Fort Jennings fire departments.
