Middletown contines house fire investigation; arson not ruled out

Middletown firefighters are continuing their investigation into an early morning house fire on Wednesday. Investigators said they have not determined a cause as of late Wednesday afternoon and have not ruled out arson. Five people escaped from the burning house and no firefighters were injured in the blaze. However, a family pet died in the fire. ED RICHTER/STAFF

Middletown firefighters are continuing their investigation into an early morning house fire on Wednesday. Investigators said they have not determined a cause as of late Wednesday afternoon and have not ruled out arson. Five people escaped from the burning house and no firefighters were injured in the blaze. However, a family pet died in the fire. ED RICHTER/STAFF

Firefighters are continuing their investigation of an early Wednesday morning house fire in the 4700-block of Wicklow Drive that displaced five people.

Fire Lt. Frank Baughman said the cause of the fire has not been determined but that arson has not been ruled out. He said investigators are retrieving security camera video from neighbors to assist in the investigation.

Baughman said firefighters were called at 12:25 a.m. Wednesday to the fire. Upon arrival, a large fire could be seen venting from multiple doors and windows of the one-floor, three bedroom structure that also contained a basement.

“Crews had to attack the fire from a defensive position,” he said. “There was significant damage to throughout the structure and contents and may be a total loss.”

Baughman did not list a dollar amount for the structure’s fire damages. He said Middletown was assisted by firefighters from the cities of Franklin and Monroe.

No injuries were reported from the firefighters, occupants or neighbors, Baughman said. But the family pet, a German shepherd, died in the blaze, he said.

The residents are being assisted by the local American Red Cross chapter.

Anyone with information about the house fire is asked to contact Baughman at 513-425-7996.

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