MOUNT VERNON — Exploding fireworks destroyed a house at 25 Grange Ave., Saturday afternoon. The home owners, Paul and Linda Lampl, were at home when the display type of fireworks exploded. Lampl has a license to shoot fireworks displays such as the Fourth of July.
Mount Vernon Fire Department Capt. Dave Mills said the department got the alarm at 2:46 p.m. They called for mutual aid from the Fredericktown Community Fire District and the College Township Fire Department. They were on the scene until 5 p.m. Mills said the foundation of the house was so badly damaged the house will be torn down today.
The cause of the explosion has not been determined and the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s office and the Federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms agency were on the scene investigating until 3 a.m. Sunday.
During the fire the Fredericktown and College Township emergency squads helped with runs. Mills added the Mount Vernon department had 20 squad runs Saturday during the day. Fire Chief Shawn Christy said that after the house is torn down they may have to deal with unexploded ordnance. The Columbus Bomb squad is being called in to help if any explosives are found.
