“This is an incredibly tragic day for our community,” Fire Chief Jacob King said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of those who lost their lives. Our firefighters worked tirelessly under extremely difficult circumstances to contain the fire and rescue anyone they could.”
Springfield is one of the busiest fire departments in the state, measured by available firefighters per number of calls, King said, adding that this has been “increasing significantly over the past several years,” he said.
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
The department, as of Saturday, has reported to 12 fires in the 20 days, according to King.
“Although nationally the average of fires is significantly higher in December and January, this is a significant amount of fires for the city of Springfield to be having,” King said. “That is above average for us this time of year.”
The department responded to three house fires in about 36 hours Wednesday and Thursday.
- Around 2 a.m. Wednesday, fire damaged a house at 434 E. Southern Ave. on the city’s south side, but crews brought it under control in just over 30 minutes, and all of the occupants were able to safely evacuate.
- Around 1 a.m. Thursday, there was a house fire at 433 E. Grand Ave., just a block away from the night before. Due to cold, ice and snow, firefighters’ gear began to freeze around 4 a.m., leading to other personnel being recalled on overtime.
- Just after noon Thursday, fire crews responded to a fire at 2440 Dwight Road on the east side, where the residents escaped, but several pets died due to smoke inhalation.
King said that these fires preliminarily appear to have all been accidental, but are still under investigation. The cause of Saturday’s fire and identity of the dead family members was not released on Saturday.
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
The department averages 53.9 fire/EMS runs every day, or 2.25 runs every hour, as of Nov. 27.
In November, SFRD responded to 1,555 calls — 51.8 runs daily. The vast majority were EMS calls and 37 were for fires, with nine being building fires, two being car fires and 25 minor fires. There was one building fire that required mutual aid.
This time of the year nationally sees an increase in house fires, and King said a significantly higher demand for electrical service is a factor.
“People are adding additional heaters like space heaters that they’re not maintaining 36 inches of clearance from those space heaters,” King said. “The reason why they’re called space heaters is because they need space so that they can safely be operated.”
King urged those using space heaters to purchase new models that shut off when tipped over, and to maintain about three feet of space around them. He also said smoke detectors should be tested regularly to ensure early notification if a fire starts.
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
The fire department provides free smoke detectors and installation by calling (937) 324-7605 or going to springfieldohio.gov and navigating to the fire division page to fill out a request. There is no limit to how many detectors a person can get.
King said the fire department is not experiencing recruitment problems and has a qualified eligibility list.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, holiday decorations excluding Christmas trees cause an average of 835 home structure fires annually across the country.
The peak day for home cooking fires is Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas then Christmas Eve, according to the NFPA. The organization urges people who have consumed alcohol or who are tired not to use the stove or stovetop.
The group said people should stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food, and to regularly check simmering, baking or roasting food. Timers should be used as reminders that someone is cooking, too.
Flammable kitchen items like wooden utensils, towels, food packaging, oven mitts and curtains should be kept away from stovetops.
Credit: Bill Lackey
Credit: Bill Lackey
About the Author
