By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal has issued a report on the October 31 fire that destroyed a residence at 2352 Township Rd 92 in Alger.

The incident report identifies the fire as accidental. No criminal activity was uncovered. The area of origin is listed as the cooking area/kitchen and estimated damage is listed at $75,000. 

The Alger Fire Department was called to the single-story, wood frame, double wide manufactured residence at about 6:36 p.m. At this time thick brown smoke was venting from the roof and eaves.

Advised that a female subject might be in the residence, crews forced entry and began extinguishing the fire in the kitchen. Hazardous conditions forced fire fighters out of the residence and they continued to attack the fire from the exterior. The female subject was found sleeping in a nearby vehicle.

Burn pattern analysis showed that the fire originated at or near a burner of a propane gas range. The control knob was in the ignite position. Residents reported that the stove had not been used that day and that there was not enough propane to ignite the stove.

Mutual aid was provided by Ada Fire Department, Harrod Fire Department, McGuffey Fire Department and the Lafayette Fire Department.