Ross County, OH — A fully engulfed trailer fire was reported at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025, in the area of 59 Blain Highway. Emergency crews from multiple local fire departments quickly responded to the scene, where the blaze posed significant risks due to the proximity of nearby homes and hazardous conditions within the structure.
The fire, which originated in a trailer, prompted the immediate response of Franklin Township and Huntington Township fire departments. Due to the severity of the incident and the evolving situation, mutual aid was requested to ensure sufficient manpower. Upon arrival, Franklin Township’s Engine 902 found the structure fully engulfed in flames, with a neighboring house at risk due to its close proximity.
Compounding the danger, live ammunition inside the residence was set off due to the intense heat from the fire, forcing Engine 902’s officer to declare the fire a defensive operation. Crews focused on keeping the scene secure and protecting surrounding areas, particularly the neighboring home. Despite multiple explosions from within the structure, mutual aid companies worked tirelessly to contain the blaze.
The fire was eventually extinguished approximately two hours after the initial call, with overhaul measures taking place to eliminate any remaining hotspots. Thankfully, all emergency personnel returned to their quarters safely.
At this time, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, and it is unclear whether the structure was occupied at the time of the fire. One person was reported to have suffered minor injuries, and the homeowners have lost their residence in the devastating blaze.
The Ross County community expressed deep gratitude for the quick response and coordination among local fire departments and mutual aid partners. The fire response involved not only Franklin and Huntington Townships but also several mutual aid teams, including:
- Scioto Township Fire Department
- Scioto Township Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 5525
- Veterans Affairs Fire Chillicothe
- Bainbridge Fire Department
- Portsmouth Ambulance
- Medcare
- Redcross Ross County
- Pebble-700 Pike
- Waverly-200 Pike
- Ross County Engineers
- Ross County Sheriff’s Office
- RCSO Dispatch
Additionally, Huntington Township received three other calls for service during the fire, which were quickly addressed with the help of mutual aid. At one point, Bainbridge Fire was called for additional resources for another high-severity incident, but their assistance was not needed as the situation was resolved swiftly.
As the fire crews wrapped up their duties and returned to their stations, another emergency call came in from the opposite side of the township. Again, mutual aid was requested, and Portsmouth Ambulance responded with an Advanced Life Support (ALS) crew to assist with the situation.
The swift response and teamwork from all involved — including full-time, part-time, and volunteer agencies — were instrumental in ensuring a coordinated and efficient effort during this challenging event. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Our thoughts are with the homeowners who lost their residence, and we commend the efforts of our dedicated firefighters and emergency personnel, as well as the mutual aid teams who answered the call without hesitation.
