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15 Displaced by Cleveland Blaze

Cleveland Fire companies responded to a working fire in a three-story, threefamily house on the second and third floors.

See story on page 4

3 Homes Damaged, 11 Displaced

Crews from Columbus Fire, along with Truro, Violet and Madison Township, were called to the scene shortly after 0500 hours.

See story on page 6

West Lafayette Mobile Home Destroyed by Fire

Multiple departments battled a fully involved mobile home fire on May 23, 2026, on North Oak Street.

See story on page 8

Rescues at Toledo Residential Fire

Toledo Fire Rescue crews responded to a structure fire in the 500 block of Wade Street.

See story on page 17

2-Alarmer on North 2nd Avenue

Firefighters operated at a two-alarm fire on April 16, 2026, on North 2nd Avenue in the village.

See story on page 19

Tributes

Cincinnati’s Ryan Zwick - LODD

Cincinnati’s Richard Braun

See stories on page 27

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15 Displaced by Cleveland Blaze

Cleveland Fire companies responded to a working fire in a threestory, three-family house on East 111, south of Superior in Battalion 6, on the second and third floors. Several pets were rescued and 15

and

people were displaced

being assisted by American Red Cross of Northern Ohio. No injuries reported.

- Photos courtesy Cleveland FD

3 Homes Damaged, 11 Displaced

An early morning residential fire damaged three homes in the 6700 block of Gormsley Drive, after flames spread from one property to two neighboring houses. Crews from Columbus Fire, along with Truro, Violet and Madison Township, were called to the scene shortly after 0500 hours. The fire was quickly upgraded to a two-alarm response after exposure from the initial fire ignited the two adjacent

homes. No injuries were reported. Officials said 11 people were displaced, and the American Red Cross was notified to assist those affected. Approximately 35 emergency vehicles and about 100 firefighters responded to the incident. Arson investigators said the fire began in the backyard. The cause was under investigation. - Photos courtesy Columbus Division of Fire

West Lafayette Mobile Home Destroyed by Fire

Firefighters from multiple departments battled a fully involved mobile home fire on May 23, 2026, on the 200 block of North Oak Street. The West Lafayette Fire Department was paged out after and Newcomerstown. Firefighters knocked down the main fire and conducted interior operations, followed by extensive overhaul to locate and extinguish hidden hotspots. The mobile home was declared a total loss. The cause of the fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Jim McKeever

Multiple Fire Departments Battle Mobile Home Fire in Coshocton

Firefighters from several departments responded to a fully involved mobile home fire on the 2000 block of South Lawn Avenue Extension on May 1, 2026 at 2030 hours. A neighbor called to report a house fire next door, prompting an immediate response from the Three Rivers Fire, Coshocton Fire Department, and Jackson Township. Upon arrival, crews found a mobile home with add-on structures already heavily engulfed in flames. Three Rivers’ Fire Chief requested a full second alarm. Additional units came from Conesville, West Lafayette, and Walhonding Valley. Coshocton firefighters deployed their 75-foot ladder to attack the fire from above

while water was pumped into the structure. The intense heat caused significant damage to neighboring homes on the B and D sides of the fire, with the D-side home sustaining active fire spread into its interior. Coshocton County EMS and the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office stood by throughout the operation. Both the original fire home and the affected neighboring structure were declared total losses. The cause of the fire remained under investigation.

- Fire News photos by Jim McKeever

Working Commercial Fire on Vine St.

Newark Fire Department units, along with mutual aid assistance from Heath, Granville Township, Madison Township and MaryAnn Township, operated at a working structure fire. Upon arrival, smoke and flames were visible. Crews worked quickly and aggressively to initiate the fire attack and ensure no occupants were inside the structure. No firefighters were injured; the incident was under investigation. Assistant Chief B. Howe was in command. - Photo courtesy Newark Division of Fire

Garage Fire in Pleasant Township Ohio

During the overnight hours, the Pleasant Township Fire Department responded to a reported garage fire within the township. Upon arrival, crews found an active fire and initiated suppression efforts. Firefighters operated in cold overnight conditions to quickly bring the incident under control and prevent further extension. Mutual aid came from Richland Township, Bremen-Rushcreek, Walnut Township, Basil Joint Fire District, Greenfield Township, and the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office. - Photo courtesy of Pleasant Township FD

Market Burns in Akron

A fast-moving fire destroyed Roush’s Market leaving an Akron neighborhood without its only grocery store. Akron Fire Department crews were dispatched to West Thornton Street, for reports of heavy black smoke in the area. Fire and smoke were showing through the roof of a commercial structure when firefighters arrived. Crews were able to quickly bring the blaze under control. However, the roof caved in, and burnt debris was scattered in the parking lot. The cause of the fire was under investigation by officials.

- Photo courtesy Akron FD

Licking, Hopewell

National Trail Handle Trash Fire

Firefighters from Licking Township, Hopewell Township, and the National Trail Fire Department operated on a recent trash fire. No injuries were reported. - Photo courtesy Licking Township FD

Kenilworth Ave. House Fire

The Warren City Fire Department was dispatched to the 500 block of Kenilworth Avenue SE recently for a reported structure fire. Car 12, Truck 1, Rescue 1, Engine 5 and Engine 6 responded. Downtown and Engine 5 arrived on scene and reported a fully involved detached garage. The Engine 5 crew immediately pulled a line and worked to extinguish the fire while protecting exposures. The fire was quickly brought under control and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.

- Photo courtesy Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204

3 Injured by Gas Leak Explosion in Girard

On April 30, 2026, the City of Girard Fire Department was on scene of an exterior gas leak when an explosion occurred in a nearby residence. The incident resulted in the injury of two firefighters and one police officer. Girard Fire, along with auto-aid companies, responded and extinguished the remaining fire. The residents were not home at the time of the incident, and all pets were unharmed. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

- Submitted by Girard FD; photo courtesy AC Mike Hagood, Vienna Township FD

Rescues at Toledo Residential Fire

Toledo Fire Rescue crews responded to a structure fire in the 500 block of Wade Street after a 911 caller reported a furnace fire on the first floor of the residence. Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke coming from the front of the home. One occupant had already exited the residence, while crews assisted a second occupant out through the rear door. Both occupants were evaluated and treated for smoke inhalation, and one was transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The Fire Investigation Unit was requested to the scene, and the American Red Cross was notified to assist the displaced occupants.

- Photos courtesy Toledo FR

Busy Day for American Township

American Township Fire Department B-Shift was dispatched to Sherman Avenue for a residential fire. Returning from the hospital, Medic 1971 was able to arrive first and quickly knock down the majority of the fire using the water can on the medic unit. While operating at the fire, our crews also handled two additional EMS calls. Thankfully, there were no injuries to the occupants or firefighters. Thank you to Lima Fire Department for assisting on the scene. The shift ended with an MVA at Copus Road and Elm Street at 0451 hours. One occupant was extricated from the vehicle and transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

- Photo courtesy American Township FD

Fire at Columbus’ Lake Eden Apartments

Columbus Fire, along with Prairie Township and Franklin Township crews, responded to a fire at Lake Eden Apartments on the city’s west side. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire was under investigation. - Photo courtesy Columbus Division of Fire

Toledo Window

Washers Rescued

Toledo Fire Rescue responded to the Hylant building, on Madison Avenue, for a reported rescue of window washers, after faulty-machinery left workers stranded on scaffolding outside the third floor of the building. Firefighters quickly, and safely rescued the workers without incident.

- Photo courtesy of Toledo FR

Attic Fire Snuffed in Warren City

The Warren City Fire Department was dispatched to the 1400 block of North Park Avenue for a possible attic fire. Car 12, Truck 1, Rescue 1, Engine 5 and Engine 6 responded. Engine 5 arrived on scene and reported nothing showing. Upon entering the structure, the crew located a small fire in the attic using a thermal imaging camera (TIC). The Engine 5 crew immediately pulled a hose line and quickly opened the ceiling to extinguish the fire while limiting damage to the structure. The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical.

- Photo courtesy Warren Professional Firefighters Local 204

2-Alarmer on North 2nd Avenue

Firefighters operated at a two-alarm fire on April 16, 2026, at 190 North 2nd Avenue in the village. The fire was well advanced upon receipt of the alarm, involving a three-story mixed occupancy and a three-story apartment building. Spot fires also developed in another two-story structure 200 feet away due to the windy conditions.

Automatic aid was received from the Pomeroy and Rutland. The second alarm brought units from Syracuse, Ohio and Mason and New Haven (WV). The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s office was investigating.

- Submitted by Jeff Darst, Fire Chief

Cleveland Water Rescue

Cleveland Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Squad 1 rescued a stranded motorist under the train bridge on Holton between East 83 and East 90. The roadway was flooded due to a broken water main near East 90.

- Photo courtesy Cleveland FD

NTFD MVA on I-70

National Trails Fire Department (NTFD) crews were dispatched to Interstate-70 for an MVA. One patient was transported in stable condition.

- Photo courtesy NTFD

Training MTB Training at Alum Creek

Members of Delaware County EMS (DCEMS) and Berlin Township Fire Department (BTFD) of Delaware County, trained on the mountain bike (MTB) trails at Alum Creek State Park. These trails maintained by COMBO (Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization) are a popular and exciting destination but can be difficult to access. Thanks to the continuous partnership and planning between DCEMS, BTFD, Ohio State Parks and COMBO, we are able to quickly navigate and go to any part of the trail should someone be injured or ill. This is something we do regularly to be prepared and were proud of the frequent communication between agencies on this unique area in our county.

- Photo courtesy DCEMS

Cardiac Interpretation Review Training

Whitehouse Fire Department members trained recently on cardiology. Jordan Grime from Four County Career Center is reviewing cardiac systems including 12-lead interpretation with crews. In attendance were crews from City of Waterville Fire Department, Whitehouse Fire, and 180th Fighter Wing (180th Fire and Emergency Services). - Photo courtesy Whitehouse FD

Grain Bin Rescue Training at Ohio Fire Academy

Bethel, Others Train on SAR

Firefighters from the Bethel Township Fire Department trained on the Ohio Fire Academy’s mobile search and rescue training lab. This training unit allows firefighters to deal with multiple scenarios. Crews went through multiple evolutions of searching for unknown victims, confined space competency, search awareness and orientation of your surroundings in a dark or smoked environment, and RIT scenarios of downed firefighters. We want to send our greatest thanks to the following departments for coming and taking the time to train with us so we can better serve our communities with our mutual aid partners: Enon-Mad River Township Fire and EMS New Carlisle Fire Division and Pike Township Fire and EMS Association.

- Photos courtesy Bethel Township FD

Members of Hopewell Township and Thorn Township fire departments participated in Grain Bin Rescue Training taught by the Ohio Fire Academy at Sheridan High School. Crews trained on grain entrapment rescue, victim packaging, harness systems, and coordinated rescue operations in a simulated grain bin environment. Training for low-frequency, high-risk incidents helps ensure our personnel are prepared when called.

- Photos courtesy of Hopewell Township & Thorn Township FD

Commemorating a Disaster: The Anthony Wayne Trail Fire

The Toledo Firefighters Museum, in collaboration with the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department, dedicated a commemorative sign that is now posted at the site of the Anthony Wayne Trail Fire. On June 10, 1961, tragedy struck when a gasoline tanker exploded near the intersection of Vinton Street and the Anthony Wayne Trail, near South Erie Street and Collingwood Boulevard. Four courageous firefighters, Ewald Bode, Glenn Carter, William Genson, and Robert Harrison, lost their lives as a result from the injuries sustained in the explosion. In addition to these four fallen heroes, sev-

eral other firefighters suffered injuries, some of them critical. In total, the disaster resulted in 80 casualties, including firefighters, a police officer and civilians. We would like to thank the Mayor’s office, Deputy May Abby Arnold, Toledo City Council members Theresa Gadus and President Vanice Williams. A special thank you to Stephanie Bartlett and Gary Stookey, engineers at Traffic Management, the sign shop and the crew who installed the sign. - Photos courtesy Toledo FR

KIDNEYS FOR COMMUNITIES BESTOWS CSFI’S NAC WITH NATIONAL COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

FIRE STATIONS: SO MUCH TO BE DONE!

Kidneys for Communities, a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to life-saving kidney transplants through communitydirected living donation, bestowed a National Community Impact Award upon the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s (CSFI) National Advisory Committee (NAC) on March 18-19, 2026 in Washington DC.

The award was received by NAC Chair Preet Bassi, who is also the CEO of Center for Public Safety Excellence; NAC Vice Chair Vickie Pritchett, Vice President of Advocacy & Outreach for the National Fire Sprinkler Association; CFSI Board Member Shane Ray, National Fire Sprinkler Association President; and CFSI Executive Director Michaela Campbell.

Michaela Campbell, CFSI Executive Director said, “This recognition highlights the importance of coming together to support the health and well-being of our nation’s firefighters and first responders. We are grateful for this distinction and the opportunity to be part of such meaningful work.”

In attendance to demonstrate the organization’s focus on first responders were kidney donors and recipients who have been assisted and supported by Kidneys for Communities:

·Lucas Gorelick – a 21-year-old EMT donor whose kidney went to Christopher Romero, an NYPD Highway Patrol Officer; Daulton “DJ” Riddell – a 24-year-old Philadelphia area law enforcement hopeful who received a kidney in 2026 from an anonymous donor;John “Jack” Duncan – former US Marine and volunteer at the 9/11 Ground Zero site who received a kidney from a Canadian fire mechanic; and Venedo Alcazar – firefighter with Portland Fire & Rescue who received his kidney from Dr. Karen Doeuk, a retired nephrologist.

About Kidneys for Communities Kidneys for Communities is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives by increasing access to kidney transplants through living donation. The organization partners with communities, employers, municipalities, and first responder organizations to educate, support, and connect donors and recipients. Addressing the national shortage of living kidney donors through proactive outreach, Kidneys for Communities developed the first-ever national community-directed donation program, which unlocks connections within membership-based communities and expands the impact of paired kidney exchange. To learn more or find out how to help first responders in need of a kidney transplant, visit their website.

F.I.E.R.O. (Fire Industry Education Resource Organization), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, recently conducted a nation-wide survey on fire stations. It was an in-depth survey that revealed the glaring need for fire station replacement and renovations in the U.S. One statistic that stood out was that the average age of a station is 45 years! That was 1980! Most of you reading this article were not involved in the fire service at that time and a good percentage of you were yet to be born.

Think of all the changes and needs in fire station design which have evolved during this time. For example, female firefighters are no longer an oddity, EMS first responder is now a given, hazmat response is expected, and the fire service has emerged as an all-hazards response agency.

Now we have learned how important fire station design is to contamination control, how to maximize sleep, and a host of other holistic designs that improve firefighter health and wellness. Only a few stations are designed to meet today’s needs.

To address the void in learning about how to design or renovate a fire station, please plan to attend the Annual 2026 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Symposium, September 21-24 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in beautiful downtown Greenville, S.C. The first day (Monday) will be a pre-conference seminar on “First Steps.” The main Symposium is all-day Tuesday, allday Wednesday, and a half-day on Thursday. This year there will be over 50 speakers with several presentations related to station renovation, expansion, and retrofits. Bring key members of your governing body so they understand your needs. As a sample of what F.I.E.R.O. offers, attend our one-day fire station education day on Tuesday, August 11 as part of Fire Rescue International in Kansas City, MO.

The common phrase heard from attendees is “I would have never thought of that!” Remember, fire stations must be considered “Critical Infrastructure” and they need to meet today’s needs and designed to last decades. For detailed information and registration, go to www.fieroonline.org and click on “events.”

Muskingum County Fireman’s Association Honors 2 Members

Muskingum County Fireman’s Association honored two long-time members at the regular meeting on May 14, 2026. President Russ Taylor presented a clock to retired Chief Gene Hanning for serving as fire chief of Washington Township Fire Department for over 20 years. Gene had 55 years in the fire service.

Secretary Don Alexander presented Carl ‘Mick’ Archer from Tri Valley Fire District, (previously Dresden Fire Department) with a clock for being one of the founders of the association back in 1973 and remaining an active association member through April 2026. Mick served on the county fire school committee for many years, helped build an SCBA maze in a semi-trailer for department members to gain SCBA confidence; and multiple other projects over the years. Mick was a member of Dresden/Tri Valley Fire for 67 years.

- Submitted by Don Alexander

Hinckley Gets Donation from Turtle Industries

Turtle Plastics Foundation recently contributed funds to the Hinckley Fire Department for an inflatable boat, which will greatly enhance our capacity to conduct water and ice rescues. This kind of support is invaluable for ensuring the safety of residents and visitors alike. It is also a reminder of the positive impact that local businesses and organizations can have on public safety and community welfare.

- Photo courtesy Hinckley FD

Columbus Fire Station 36 Officially in Service

On June 16, 2026 at 1000 hours, the Columbus Division of Fire held a grand opening ceremony for the state-of-the-art facility designed to support emergency response operations in one of the fastest growing areas of Columbus.

As Columbus continues its trajectory as the fastest growing major city in the Midwest, Fire Station 36 is strategically positioned to serve a five-mile area in the northeast portion of the city with a population exceeding 157,000 residents. That population is expected to experience continued growth in the years ahead, making the station a critical investment in the community’s future public safety needs.

“Fire Station 36 represents our commitment to growing alongside the communities we serve,” said Interim Fire Chief David Baugh. “This facility provides our firefighters with the resources, technology, and training space they need to deliver exceptional service while ensuring we are prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding area of our city.”

Fire Station 36 is a 30,000 square-foot facility that includes four pullthrough apparatus bays, living quarters for 15 personnel, office space for fire prevention personnel, fitness facilities, and dedicated training

areas. The station will house Engine 36, Medic 36, Boat 36, and Station Truck 36.

The station’s basement includes office space for 10 fire prevention personnel and a fitness room. A dedicated training mezzanine was specifically designed for rope rescue, rescue operations, and “Save Your Own” training, providing firefighters with specialized hands-on training opportunities.

Fire Station 36 is the sixth Columbus fire station equipped with Zone Locution, a dispatch system that alerts firefighters only for incidents involving their assigned apparatus. The facility is also the first in the division to feature bi-fold apparatus bay doors. These doors open more quickly, require less maintenance, and reduce the likelihood of damage from responding apparatus.

The station was designed by Mull & Weithman Architects, Inc., constructed by Elford Construction, and supported through construction administration services by Ascension Construction Solutions. The project included approximately $1.8 million in design costs and $21.8 million in construction costs.

- Photos courtesy Columbus Division of Fire

Cincinnati’s Ryan Zwick - LODD

It is with profound sadness that the Cincinnati Fire Department announces the line of duty death of Firefighter Ryan Zwick, who passed away on June 11, 2026, following a duty-related medical illness. He was 43 years old.

Firefighter Zwick joined the Cincinnati Fire Department on May 25, 2014, and served with dedication for more than 12 years. He spent the majority of his career at Station 35 in Westwood, one of the busiest response areas in our city, where he served on the Medic Unit, the Engine, and ultimately the Truck — answering the call in every capacity

asked of him. He gave this city everything he had, every shift, without hesitation.

Firefighter Zwick will be remembered and honored as a member of this department who died in the line of duty. We do not take that lightly, and we will not forget. Our thoughts are with his family, and with all those who lived life beside him.

Rest easy, Ryan. - Photos courtesy of Cincinnati FD, and An Authentic View

Cincinnati’s Richard Braun

The Cincinnati Fire Department mourned the passing of retired Fire Chief Richard Braun, who died on June 4, 2026.

Chief Braun served the City of Cincinnati from 2011 to 2017, becoming the 14th Fire Chief in CFD’s history and the first appointed from outside the department. He brought with him more than 36 years of distinguished service with the Columbus Fire Division, and gave six more to the people of Cincinnati — 42 years total devoted to the fire service.

During his tenure, Chief Braun was a steady and focused leader who championed the recruitment of women into the fire service, worked tirelessly to address department staffing, and guided CFD through significant reforms in the wake of the line-of-duty death of FAO Daryl Gordon. He believed deeply in the men and women who serve, once telling Recruit Class 115, “There are three things we hold dear: our faith, our family, and the Cincinnati Fire Department.”

Chief Braun retired in April 2017 in good standing, praised by city leadership for his commitment to the department and the community it serves. He is remembered not only as an administrator, but as someone who fell in love with this profession and gave it everything he had.

Our thoughts are with his wife Sue, and his entire family, during this time.

Rest easy, Chief. The Cincinnati Fire Department will not forget your service. - Photo courtesy Cincinnati FD