Friday morning fire heavily damages apartment home east of Neptune

NEPTUNE — A Friday morning fire caused extensive damage to a two-story apartment home along State Route 33 east of Neptune.

Celina Fire Chief Brian Miller said the call was received at approximately 7:26 a.m. after a passerby reported the structure fire. Everyone was out of the building when firefighters arrived.

The first crews at the scene found heavy flames coming through the roof near the back of the house. Miller said firefighters from Celina and St. Marys entered the second floor and worked for an extended period to bring the fire under control.

The house was divided into two apartments, with one on each floor. Miller said the second-floor apartment sustained heavy fire damage and is considered a complete loss. The first-floor apartment received smoke and water damage.

Close to 30 firefighters responded from Celina, St. Marys, St. Marys Township, Mendon and Rockford. Tankers from St. Marys Township and Rockford were called to provide additional water.

The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office was called because of the extent of the damage and estimated financial loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Press Release:

Date: October 16, 2026

To: Local Media Outlets

From: Chief Brian Davis

Re: Fire at 8338 US Route 33

Celina Fire Department Received a call on 10/16/2026 at 07:26 AM for a reported structure fire. Upon arrival, crews were met with a two-story house with heavy flames and smoke presenting from the rear second floor of the structure. All occupants were accounted for and safe at the time of arrival. The second story of the house sustained heavy damage throughout, while the damage on the first floor was limited to water damage. The State Fire Marshals Office was contacted and will be investigating the fire. We would like to thank the City of St. Marys Fire Department, Mendon Fire Department, Rockford Fire Department, St. Marys Township Fire Department, Mercer County Sheriffs Office, and MCERV for their