The Warren City Fire Department was dispatched to the 500 block of Belmont Street NE for a report of a structure fire.
See story on page 4
Akron Fights Residential Fire
Akron Fire Department crews responded to a residential fire near Copley Road.
See story on page 6
Columbus Responds to North Side House Fire
Recently, Columbus Division of Fire crews responded to a house fire on the city’s north side.
See story on page 10
6 Adults, Animals
Displaced at Newark Fire
Newark Division of Fire 3 Unit crews, along with mutual aid units, responded to a working fire on Mt. Vernon Road.
See story on page 12
Barn Fire in Gomer
Allen County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call for a barn on fire on Lincoln Highway in the village of Gomer.
See story on page 13
1 Person Transported from Residential Fire
Cleveland fire companies responded to a fire in an occupied double on West 14 north of Clark in B4.
See story on page 18
page 19 Business Directory
page 19 Training
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Focus of the Month
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1 Burned at Belmont St. House Fire
At 0447 hours on April 9, 2026, the Warren City Fire Department was dispatched to the 500 block of Belmont Street NE for a report of a structure fire. Car 12, Car 2, Truck 1, Rescue 1, Engine 5 and Engine 6 responded. Units arrived to a working fire in a two-story house with fire showing from the Alpha and Bravo sides of the structure. Crews immediately initiated an aggressive attack, while simultaneously searching for any possible victims; none were found and all occupants were reported out of the structure. Crews operated on scene for approximately three hours. The occupant of the home was transported to a local hospital with burns sustained while exiting the structure prior to fire department arrival. Unfortunately, three dogs died in the fire. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.
- Photo courtesy Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204
Tractor Totaled, Cattle Safe
National Trail Volunteer Fire Department crews responded to reports of a barn fire on a local dairy farm with multiple close buildings. Upon arrival of Engine 831, a tractor inside the barn had caught fire, totaling the tractor and extending into the roof overhead. Owners did an excellent job extinguishing the majority of the tractor fire. Crews came in to help clean up the remaining hotspots within the roof, help remove the tractor from the building and ensure a safe place to rest for the night for the cattle inside.
- Photo courtesy of National Trail FD
Akron Fights Residential Fire
Akron Fire Department crews responded to a residential fire near Copley Road. No reported injuries. The cause was under investigation by officials.
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Photo courtesy of Akron FD
2-Story House Fire on Homewood Ave
At approximately 1218 hours, the Warren City Fire Department was dispatched to the 800 block of Homewood Avenue SE for a report of a structure fire. Units arrived on scene and found a working fire in a two-story house with fire showing from the Charlie side of the structure. Crews immediately initiated an aggressive interior attack. Searches found no victims. The fire was located in the kitchen of the home and quickly brought under control. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office. - Photo courtesy Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204
South Zanesville Takes on Structure Fire
At 2059 hours on March 18, 2026, the South Zanesville Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire on South Westwood Drive. Upon arrival, Chief Taylor confirmed a working fire with flames visible through the roof. Engine 1415 quickly deployed two attack lines to begin suppression efforts. Crews worked efficiently to bring the fire under control within approximately one hour. South Zanesville responded with Command 1400, Medic 1401, Medic 1402, Grass 1412, Tanker 1413, and Engine 1415, with a total of 11 members on scene. Mutual aid provided by Zanesville and Newton Township.
- Submitted by Landon Duhamel, Assistant Chief
8 Displaced by Tate Ave. Fire
Cleveland firefighters responded to an occupied house fire on Tate Avenue at West 28th Street in Battalion 4 on April 28, 2026 for an attic fire. All residents were safely out of the structure. One FF suffered minor burn injury, and was transported by Cleveland EMS to MetroHealth in stable condition. Engine 24 rescued one dog. Eight adults were displaced and were being assisted by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio.
- Photos courtesy of Cleveland FD
Last Shift for Cleveland BC Paul Legeza
This was the last shift for Cleveland Battalion Chief Paul Legeza, who finishes his 33 years of service at Station 33 on West 117th Street. Many active and retired members stopped in to congratulate and wish him well.
Asked for advice for young firefighters, Legeza offered, “Be appreciative of what you have in front of you. The job is what you make of it. Always do your best.”
Legeza spent much of his career at Station 22 (Superior/East 73rd) working on Rescue Squad 3 and E22. His retirement plans include fishing and traveling. We wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement. - Photo courtesy of Cleveland FD
After seeing on our
page that Lt.
our
and commitment.
Forty years of service is an incredible milestone — one that reflects countless hours of sacrifice, commitment to community, and a true passion for the fire service.
We are proud to have Lt. Sands as part of our department and grateful for everything he has given over the years. Congratulations, Rob, and thank you for your service. - Photo courtesy of Thorn Township FR
Thorn Township Fire Rescue Fire Lieutenant Rob Sands received a special visit at his home from State Representative Kevin D. Miller
Facebook
Sands recently marked 40 years of volunteer service with
department, Representative Miller took the time to personally deliver a proclamation from the State of Ohio recognizing his dedication
Columbus Responds to North Side House Fire
Recently, Columbus Division of Fire crews responded to a house fire on the city’s north side. One person was transported to the hospital. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
- Photos courtesy of Colombus FD
Warren City Knock Down Tate Street Residential Blaze
The Warren City Fire Department was dispatched to the 1100 block of Taylor Street NW for a reported structure fire. Car 12, Truck 1, Rescue 1, Engine 5, and Engine 6 responded to the scene. First arriving units encountered a two-story residence with heavy fire throughout the structure, with flames extending to nearby buildings. Crews quickly brought the fire under control in about 30 minutes, despite an early partial structural collapse. All occupants were confirmed to be out of the residence prior to crews’ arrival. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately four hours conducting overhaul and ensuring all hot spots were extinguished. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office. - Photos courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204
Madison Twp., Operates at Brush Fire
Madison Township Fire Department operated at a brush fire on Watson Road west of Ritchey Road.
- Photo courtesy Madison Township FD
3+ Hours to Put Down Barn Fire
At 0917 hours on March 2, 2026, the South Zanesville Fire Department (SZFD) was dispatched to a reported barn fire. Engine 1415 and Tanker 1413 responded immediately and arrived to a fully involved pole barn. Firefighters worked diligently for over three hours to bring the fire under control and complete overhaul operations. Mutual aid was provided by Newton Township, Roseville, Zanesville, Perry Township, Washington Township and Genesis Community Ambulance.
- Submitted Landon Duhamel, Assistant Chief
6 Adults, Animals Displaced at Newark Multi-Family Fire
Newark Division of Fire 3 Unit crews, along with mutual aid units, responded to a working fire in a multi-family residence, on Mt. Vernon Road. Crews immediately initiated search/rescue and suppression efforts. The fire was contained shortly after making initial entry and all occupants were found to have self-extricated from inside the structure. Investigators have determined the origin to be on the rear porch of the primary unit, and as a result of a discarded cigarette. Six adults and two animals were assisted by Red Cross.
- Photo courtesy Newark Division of Fire
Knox Box Save Strip Mall Fire from Spreading
Just prior to 0100 hours on April 8, 2026, a Green Township Police officer on patrol noticed smoke coming from the Penn Station restaurant on Harrison Avenue. A one-alarm commercial building fire assignment from Green Township Fire & EMS responded, and were assisted by mutual aid companies from Cheviot, Miami Township, Colerain Township, Whitewater Township, and Delhi Township. Quint 53 found a working fire in the kitchen area, which was traveling rapidly in the vent stack. The fire was controlled quickly, with damage isolated to this one business in the strip mall. A few key actions by business owners and first-arriving companies were critical in this incident. This building was equipped with a Knox box, which allows fire departments to access exterior and interior doors. All of the businesses within this strip mall did, and as such, the building was able to be opened up and spared exterior damage. Additionally, the flow path from the front door to the interior vent stack of the restaurant was able to be controlled because no doors or glass was broken limiting air movement throughout the interior, which could’ve led to fire extending. - Photos courtesy of Green Township FD
Barn Fire in Gomer
At 1154 Allen County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call for a barn on fire on Lincoln Highway in the village of Gomer. While en route, smoke was noted coming from the area and a second alarm response was requested. Upon arrival of the first fire department unit, heavy smoke was noted coming from the roof of the structure. Crews were able to make entry into the structure to the second
floor. An interior attack was initiated knocking down most of the fire. Crews remained on scene until 1427 extinguishing hot spots and completing overhaul. Mutual aid came from Cairo Monroe, Delphos and Kalida. The cause of the fire was determined to have started by an open burn too close to the structure.
- Photos courtesy of American Township FD
Tod Avenue 2 Alarmer in Warren
The Warren City Fire Department was dispatched to the 300 block of Tod Avenue SW for a reported smoke investigation. Engine 6 arrived and reported a working structure fire. Car 12, Truck 1, Rescue 1, and Engine 5 then responded. Engine 6’s crew encountered a two-story residence with fire in the basement and attic. Crews quickly initiated an aggressive interior attack, encountering fire on each floor of the home as well as in void spaces. A second
alarm was struck to bring additional firefighters to the scene. All occupants were confirmed to be out of the residence prior to crews’ arrival. Firefighters remained on scene for over three hours conducting overhaul operations and ensuring all hot spots were extinguished. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.
- Photos courtesy of Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204
American Twp. Assist Kalida at Structure Fire
The American Township Fire Department responded mutual aid to assist the Kalida Fire Department with a reported structure fire in Kalida. American Township crews responded with Ladder 1931 to assist with fire suppression and provide additional manpower on scene.
- Photos courtesy of American Township FD
1 Person Transported from Residential Fire
Cleveland fire companies responded to a fire in an occupied double on West 14 north of Clark in B4. All residents were safely out, but one adult female was transported to MetroHealth in stable condition. 2 cats were also rescued and revived by Cleveland EMS Medic 4. The cause was determined to be accidental/electrical. The American Red Cross assisted displaced residents. - Photos courtesy of Cleveland FD
MVA Rollover at Eastown and Elm
American Township Fire Department was dispatched to Eastown and Elm for a two-vehicle MVA rollover injury. Three occupants from the pickup truck were transported by medics to Mercy Health St. Rita’s. The sole occupant of the car refused transport and signed off on scene. All occupants were able to exit their vehicles before our arrival.
- Photo courtesy of American Township FD
2-Vehicle MVA
Fayette Township Fire Department crews responded to a reported two-vehicle crash in the 19000 block of US-52 eastbound.
- Photo courtesy of Fayette Township FD
National Trail Hosts The Energy Co-Op
National Trail Fire Department hosted the Energy Cooperative with their Arc Demo trailer. Crews came out to demonstrate multiple scenarios involving power lines, underground utilities and the hazards faced when dealing with such events. Downed power lines are an issue crews deal with frequently and are one of the most dangerous. Thank you to all departments and townships who came out to join us and, of course, a big thanks to The Energy Cooperative for everything!
- Photos courtesy National Trail FD
Licking Twp., Heath Train Together
Licking Township personnel were back at Jaes Towing & Recovery for some extrication training. Members from City of Heath Fire Department joined. It’s always nice to train with our mutual aid partners. - Photos courtesy Licking TWP. FD
Avoid Impaired Driving of ANY Kind
Delaware County EMS Medics 1 and 4 worked with our partners from Tri Township Fire District, Buckeye Valley Local School District, Delaware County, the Sheriff’s Office and MedFlight to complete a mock crash for the students of the local high school. With summer coming up, the devastating consequences of impaired driving cannot be over stated. Thanks to all the students and first responders who made this event a success.
- Photos courtesy Delaware County EMS
Columbus Division of Fire Teaches Students CPR
On March 27, 2026, members of the Columbus Division of Fire visited Bishop Hartley High School to teach CPR to students as part of Hartley’s Day of Preparation and Leadership. This annual event helps students build essential life skills — and CPR is one of the most important. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. Columbus Fire offers a variety of CPR and first aid classes for community members.
- Photos courtesy of Columbus FD
FIRSTNET HELPS HYANNIS WITH SUMMER POPULATION CHALLENGE
The Hyannis Fire Department serves 18,000 year-round residents, but the population soars to 100,000 in the summer. This presents a unique challenge.
The department responds to about 8,000 incidents in Barnstable, Cape Cod, Lewis Bay, and Hyannis Harbor. Their coverage area includes the largest hospital on the Cape, an airport, a busy downtown, and a harbor. Seventy firefighters provide fire response, ALS, and technical rescues using fireboats and a dive team. Needing to evolve they were early adapters of FirstNet®, Built with AT&T.
FirstNet®, Built with AT&T, is the nationwide, highspeed wireless network designed to provide first responders with
secure, reliable communications. First responders get always-on priority and pre-emption for calls, texts and data. FirstNet connects Hyannis firefighters across all their devices including cell phones, modems, routers, and vehicle-mounted equipment. FirstNet technology is robust, and so is its customer service. “The service is always excellent and they are always responsive. They’re always able to get the answers we need and help us solve any problem,” Hyannis Fire Department Chief Peter Burke said. “We recommend it to all public safety agencies and users. We know that our FirstNet devices are always going to work without suffering from the lag time that other devices may suffer from.”
NFPA TO HOST ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO IN LAS VEGAS ON JUNE 22-24, 2026
The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) will host its annual Conference & Expo at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas on June 22 to -24, 2026. This comprehensive event brings together thousands of the industry’s leading professionals who will attend more than 130 educational sessions addressing the latest issues, challenges and trends in the world of fire, electrical, and life safety, including code compliance, emergency preparedness and response, emerging technologies, global safety issues, public education, building and construction safety, fire protection systems, industrial hazards, electrical safety, and more.
The NFPA Expo will feature more than 420 exhibitors, showcasing the latest products and services available to help meet and maintain compliance with prevailing codes and standards in the design, construction and operation of buildings and facilities of every kind.
of community risk reduction. The Spotlight on Latin America is a Spanish language program with targeted sessions covering current industry trends impacting Latin America.
Attendees will have access to three NFPA Specialty Theaters as well. The Facility Manager Theater, The Responder Theater and the Firefighter Cancer Cohort Study.
This year’s NFPA Spotlight on Public Education (SOPE) is a threeday program exclusively for individuals in the public education field, covering a wide range of public health topics and the powerful impact
Dan Chuparkoff, one of the world’s leading experts on AI, innovation, and the future of work, will be the keynote speaker at the conference’s opening general session. Sharing his skill as an AI-educator combined with his formula for harnessing the power of innovation, Dan helps audiences escape disruption to find growth and success.
The NFPA Technical Meeting, which allows NFPA members and the public to express positions through debate on each certified amending motion (CAM), is scheduled to take place on June 25-26.
The NFPA Standards to be presented for action at the 2026 Technical Meeting are those with amending motions submitted to NFPA in advance of the meeting and certified by the Motions Committee of the Standards Council. Anyone who has been a continuously active member of the association since December 27, 2025 and is registered for the 2026 Tech Session, will be eligible to vote on all CAMs.
For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.
We are pleased to announce that the 2026 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Symposium is officially scheduled — and registration is open.
Since 1990, F.I.E.R.O. has proudly hosted the first and longest-running Fire Station Design Symposium in the nation. This year, we return to the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, South Carolina for three and a half days of education, collaboration, and connection.
Dates: September 21–24, 2026
• Location: Hyatt Regency, Greenville, SC
• Pre-Conference Seminar: Monday, September 21 (Full Day)
• Main Symposium: September 22–24 (Half Day)
Whether you are a firefighter, architect, facility planner, or industry professional, this is the premier event for fire station design, construction, renovation, and technology.
Mark your calendars and watch your inbox — full program details are coming soon.
We look forward to seeing you in Greenville.
Warm regards, The F.I.E.R.O. Team
Warren Local 204 Donation to Cancer Center
Delaware County EMS Says Farewell to Lt. Amy Chandler
Delaware County EMS bid a fond farewell to Lieutenant Amy Chandler as she retires after more than 30 years at Delaware County EMS. We thank you! You’ve made an impact on many. And we will sincerely miss you here.
- Photo courtesy Delaware County EMS
Akron Host FF/Red Cross Luncheon
Warren Professional Fire Fighters Local 204 made their yearly donation to the St. Joseph’s Cancer Center. This brings their five-year total to $4,978.39 in donations made directly to local cancer patients. We’d like to sincerely thank our incredible supporters. Because of you, we’re able to give back and make meaningful donations right here in our community. Your continued support allows us, as firefighters, to help those in need beyond the call of duty. We truly appreciate it.
- Photo courtesy Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204
Akron Fire Department had the pleasure of hosting a lunch with frefighters in partnership with the American Red Cross of Northern Ohio and Mahoning Valley for the Tiffany Circle as we all learned more about the value of time, talent and treasure while increasing fire safety.
- Photo courtesy of Akron FD
2026 Memorial To Fallen Cleveland Firefighters
We remember Fireman Paul I. Green. We remember Fireman Harry H. Spencer. We honor all our fallen brothers.
Cleveland Division of Fire honored two fallen brothers during the 2026 Memorial to Fallen Firefighters at the Cleveland Firefighters Memorial at Erieside Avenue and Lerner Way.
This year’s memorial recognized Fireman Paul I. Green and Fireman Harry H. Spencer, who were killed in the line of duty on January 16, 1948, when a wall collapsed at the Russo Wine Company at 2807 Lorain Avenue. Also injured at that fire were Captain Norbert Whalen, Fireman First Class Gilbert Ryan, and Fireman First Class Frank Huback.
Fireman Paul I. Green, age 57, was a 33-year veteran of the Cleveland Fire Department. Originally assigned to Engine Company 2 on February 28, 1915, he was serving in Hose Company 2 at the time of his death. He was survived by his wife, Hilda, and sons Donald and William.
Fireman Harry H. Spencer, age 29, had been with the Division only seven months after transferring from the Cleveland Police Department.
An Army veteran of World War II, he served as a combat engineer in the European Theater and participated in the European Theater of Operations, and Central Pacific campaigns. His decorations included five Bronze Stars and one Bronze Arrowhead. He was assigned to Engine Company 6 and was survived by his wife, Grace, daughter Mary Lou, and unborn son, Harry Jr.
The Spencer family’s legacy of service continued for generations. Harry Jr. later gave his life serving his country with the 173rd Airborne in Vietnam on November 20, 1967. The family’s dedication to the City of Cleveland also continued through several relatives who served or continue to serve in the Cleveland Division of Fire.
The Memorial to Fallen Firefighters has been held each year since 1981, prior to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and remains the largest annual gathering of Cleveland firefighters as they honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
