WELLS TOWNSHIP, Ohio --
Two men have been arrested in connection with a tire fire that threatened a home with children inside early Tuesday.
Officials said arson charges are pending against Arnold Wade Jr. and Brian Anthony Hickman.
The blaze could be seen for miles and involved nearly 2,000 tires, police said.
Wells Township police Officer J.J. Kamerer said the fire department had a difficult time putting the blaze out, and the township road department was called to bring a front-end loader and track hoe to help squelch the flames.
Water was also shipped in because there were no fire hydrants nearby, and the intense heat forced fire crews to take breaks.
A woman who lives in a nearby trailer with her children said one of the suspects lives with her.
"(The fire) was accidental. They were burning garbage and wood and the tires caught fire," she said.
The state fire marshal and the Environmental Protection Agency are investigating the incident.
Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage as details become available.
-Renee Cardelli & John Paul, NEWS9
