No injuries in Belpre house fire
Photos by Madeline Scarborough
2703 Beach Drive, Belpre became fully engulfed in flames Sunday evening before firefighters could respond to the call. There were no reported injuries as of 10 p.m. The call came in at 6 p.m. according to Little Hocking Fire Chief Mike Chevalier, and crews were still working to put out the fire as of press time. Chevalier said issues for quickly putting out the fire were caused by its size, the fact that the house had a metal roof, making it hard for responders to reach the flames and the lack of a fire hydrant in the area, the closest one being located on Washington Blvd. In order for the fire to be fought, 19 firetrucks responded to provide water. “I am so thankful that our neighboring departments were able to come help tonight,” said Chevalier. Dunham Township Volunteer Fire Department sent out four trucks, Belpre Volunteer Fire Department sent out six trucks, Little Hocking Volunteer Fire Department sent out six trucks and Blennerhassett Volunteer Fire Department sent out three trucks. Area police officers, the sheriff’s department and area ambulance services all responded as well. Chevalier said no one was home at the time of the fire and the cause will be investigated today by the State Fire Marshals office, but that the home was a total loss.