Ohio Arson Fires Destroy Four Structures
Arson fires at a Strasburg flea market, a Beach City church and two vacant stores raged and several neighboring structures sustained collateral damage. In all, 19 fire departments attempted to limit the damage caused by the blazes.
At approximately 11 p.m. on Oct. 13 a fire was reported at the historic Garver Flea Market at 134 North Wooster Avenue in Strasburg.
"Within 35 minutes, it was totally engulfed," Strasburg Fire Chief Brent Metzger told the newspaper. "My main concern was to protect (the other structures)."
Strasburg, Bolivar, Dundee, East Sparta, Sugarcreek and Dover fire departments responded to the blaze.
A report of another fire was reported at approximately 12:40 a.m. at First Lutheran Church at 230 W. Main Street in nearby Beach City.
North Lawrence firefighters, who were covering for Beach City crews while they helped in Strasburg, initially responded to the blaze.
Thirteen minutes later, a former pizza shop at 662 North Wabash Avenue in Brewster was in flames.
"We came back for the pizza shop fire," Brewster Fire Capt. Jen Mohler told the newspaper. "On the way back, we found another (former business) on fire."
Around 1 a.m., a former convenience store at 340 South Wabash Avenue in Brewster was reported on fire.
Brewster firefighters were assisted by firefighters from Wilmot, Bethlehem Township, Perry Township, Canton Township, Dennison and Mount Eaton.
Ohio Fire Marshal's Office spokesman Shane Cartmill said investigators have determined all four fires were intentionally set.
Officials in each community are investigating the blazes and the ATF is expected to be brought into the case as well.