Fire Causes Heavy Damage to Shop and Residence in Villa Nova

A Monday morning fire caused heavy damage to a shop and residential structure in Villa Nova, with firefighters safely removing a dog from the building.

The St. Marys Township Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 8:43 a.m. to 148 Parkway Drive after receiving a report of heavy smoke coming from the roof of the structure.

St. Marys Township Fire Chief Chad Hicks said firefighters were advised while responding that it was a confirmed working structure fire.

“The fire department arrived about 16 minutes from the time of call on scene,” Hicks told WCSM.

Hicks said crews entered through the front of the structure, which included a garage and workshop area connected with a residence, and began extinguishing the fire.

A person at the scene had knocked on doors before firefighters arrived to check for occupants, and no one was believed to be inside. Neighbors later told firefighters that a dog was in the living portion of the building.

The dog was safely removed and later returned to the homeowner.

Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control and then remained on scene conducting overhaul operations.

Heavy fire and property damage was reported in the shop portion of the structure.

Hicks said the Ohio State Fire Marshal was contacted to assist with determining where and how the fire started.

“We called him in just to help determine the origin and cause of the fire,” Hicks said.

The City of St. Marys Fire Department was called for mutual aid. The Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office and Auglaize County Emergency Management Agency also responded, while AES and the Ohio State Fire Marshal were contacted.

No injuries were reported in the initial information provided.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Donations to assist those affected by the fire can be made through Auglaize County CERT.