JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - A one-story ranch home was badly damaged during a midnight inferno but a couple and their two dogs managed to escape unharmed.
The Celina Fire Department received a call of a fire at 2104 State Route 703 at 12:06 a.m. Tuesday, according to fire chief Joel Lange.
Firefighters were met with heavy flames on the front porch that extended into the attic.
Crews deployed a transitional attack, knocking down the fire on the porch while advancing through the front door into the living area of the home.
The fire was quickly brought under control with a single hand line, according to Lange.
A total of 11 firefighters and and two trucks responded to the blaze from Celina and Coldwater fire departments. Coldwater Fire Department assisted with salvage and overhaul, Lange said.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Lange did not have a damage estimate.
The state fire marshal's office has been contacted to assist with the investigation. Foul play is not suspected.
The Red Cross was also contacted to provide assistance to the homeowners, who were altered by smoke detectors and exited the residence before firefighters arrived.
Lange did not know the homeowners' names offhand when contacted the newspaper. Mercer County Auditor's Office online records show the home is owned by Jospeh Smith.