A man was killed Sunday when a house fire tore through a home on Martinsburg Road in Newton Township, according to fire officials. Crews arriving at the scene reported heavy flames pouring from the front of the house and through the roof. Firefighters found a male victim inside, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.
According to The Columbus Dispatch, the Newton Township Fire Department said in a Facebook post that units were dispatched to a residential structure fire on Martinsburg Road and encountered heavy fire on arrival. The Columbus Dispatch reports that firefighters searched the home and worked to knock down the flames.
Who responded
The call was handled by Newton Township’s volunteer fire department, which is listed on the township’s website as the primary fire agency for that section of Licking County. Per Newton Township, the department provides both fire protection and EMS services for the area.
Investigation underway
The cause of the blaze is still under investigation. The Licking County investigative team, the Licking County Sheriff’s Office and the State Fire Marshal are all involved in the probe, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Officials have not yet released any findings on what sparked the fire.
Fire safety reminder
Working smoke alarms and a rehearsed escape plan can sharply reduce the risk of death in a home fire, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. The agency warns that residents may have less than two minutes to get out once a blaze erupts and recommends testing smoke alarms every month and installing them on every level of the home…