ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — A fire alarm activation at Fox Run Hospital prompted a large response from firefighters, EMS crews and multiple law enforcement agencies Tuesday evening after several juveniles reportedly ran from the facility during the incident.
According to emergency radio traffic, crews were dispatched to the hospital at approximately 8:29 p.m. on July 14 following a fire alarm activation.
As first responders arrived, firefighters reported that numerous juveniles had left the building, prompting requests for additional law enforcement to help locate them and maintain order at the scene.
While searching the facility, firefighters said they received reports from both staff members and juveniles that there may have been a fire inside, though responding crews were initially unable to confirm one.
Emergency personnel also reported difficulty accounting for everyone on the property and requested assistance consolidating the juveniles into one location while law enforcement searched the grounds.
During the incident, a sheriff’s deputy stated over the radio that law enforcement responds to the facility “dozens of times a year.” Raising concerns among residents about the frequency of emergency calls to the hospital.
Before clearing the scene, firefighters reported the building’s fire alarm system could not be fully reset. According to radio traffic, staff bypassed the system to keep secured doors locked, and the facility was placed on fire watch until the alarm system could be restored.
Emergency units cleared the scene shortly before 9:40 p.m.
The cause of the alarm has not been released, and it is unclear whether a fire was ultimately found.
