BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio — Firefighters from multiple departments spent several hours battling a house fire overnight in Belmont County after heavy smoke and flames were reported at a residence on Laipple Street in the Lombardy Heights area.
Emergency crews were dispatched shortly before 11:45 p.m. following reports of a possible structure fire. Police officers arriving on scene reported heavy smoke in the area and confirmed smoke was coming from the home.
By approximately 11:52 p.m., firefighters reported visible smoke from the second-floor eaves. A full assessment of the structure revealed heavy fire conditions on the first floor and significant smoke throughout the second floor.
Firefighters initially launched an interior attack, advancing multiple hose lines into the home while crews worked on both floors. Water supply operations were established through a nearby hydrant as firefighters attempted to contain the blaze.
Despite aggressive efforts, crews reported limited progress as flames spread to the second floor. Incident commanders ordered firefighters out of the structure around 12:15 a.m. and transitioned to a defensive strategy, attacking the fire from outside the building.
All firefighters were safely evacuated and accounted for before exterior operations continued.
Additional resources were requested throughout the incident, including utility crews from AEP and support personnel to provide water and refreshments for firefighters working extended hours at the scene. Representatives from the Salvation Army also responded with bottled water for emergency personnel.
By shortly before 1 a.m., firefighters reported that the bulk of the fire had been knocked down and crews re-entered portions of the structure to extinguish remaining hotspots. However, flare-ups continued, with fire breaking through the attic area around 1:44 a.m., prompting crews to open ceilings and continue suppression efforts.
The Belmont County Fire Marshal was notified and responded as part of the investigation into the cause of the fire.
Firefighters remained on scene through the early morning hours conducting overhaul operations, checking for hidden fire, and extinguishing lingering hotspots. A broken water line at the scene also required assistance from the local water department.
By approximately 3:30 a.m., firefighters reported the fire was largely extinguished and began preparing equipment for departure. Units started clearing the scene around 3:53 a.m.
No information regarding injuries or the cause of the fire has been released. The investigation remains ongoing.
