FREDERICKTOWN — A passerby noticed flames coming from the attic of the home at 453 N. Main St. on Wednesday evening, and called 9-1-1.
Fredericktown Police Lt. Jay Sheffer and Fire Capt. Dwayne Canter arrived first at the residence, which is owned by Ernie Russo, and, finding no one home, the two rescued a dog from the residence.
The Fredericktown Fire Department responded with two engines, a rescue unit and 18 firefighters. Fredericktown EMS stood by with a squad and personnel.
Fire Chief Scott Mast said he called on mutual aid from Mount Vernon Fire Department and Jefferson Township in Bellville.
“When I arrived and saw the flames shooting from the roof in close proximity to two neighboring large houses, I felt that if we had to go into a defensive mode, that Mount Vernon’s aerial could be effective for that,” Mast explained.
MVFD’s aerial ladder truck arrived quickly, but was not needed because the fire was brought under control.
The fire was declared contained about an hour after firefighters arrived.
“Our guys put an excellent stop on that fire,” Assistant Chief Larry Schunke said.
Mast said there was a smoke detector in the home, but it was unknown if it was working. He said the fire is believed to have started in the attic floor, and spread to the roof.
