Friday blaze destroys East Liverpool home on Birch Road, no injuries reported

Breaking: fire destroys East Liverpool home; investigators probe cause

COLUMBIANA COUNTY, Ohio —

A residential fire erupted friday morning on Birch Road in East Liverpool, wiht responders dispatching to the scene around 3:45 a.m., authorities said.

There were no reported injuries as the occupant was not at home when the blaze began.

Crews fought the flames as the structure sustained a total loss. “The house is a complete loss,” commented Calcutta Fire Chief David McCoy. “There is nothing left inside. we’ve finished applying water, but small spot fires may continue. Normally we’d sift through the debris to extinguish hot spots, but in this case we’ve allowed it to burn out, which you can see in the background is largely accomplished.”

The examination has been assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, which is handling questions about the fire’s origin and cause.

Key Facts at a Glance

Category	Details
Location	Birch Road, East Liverpool, Columbiana County, Ohio
Time reported	About 3:45 a.m. Friday
Injuries	None reported
Property status	Residential dwelling is a complete loss
Investigating agency	State Fire Marshal’s Office

Context and evergreen insights

Unoccupied homes remain at risk for rapid fire spread, underscoring the importance of pre-incident planning. Homeowners and renters can reduce risk by installing and maintaining smoke detectors, creating clear escape routes, and conducting routine checks on utilities when a property is vacant. For broader guidance on home-fire safety, consult trusted resources from national fire safety authorities.

External resources: NFPA — Top causes of home fires and FEMA — Homeowner Resources.

Engage with readers

1. What steps do you take to secure and monitor a home when it will be unoccupied for extended periods?
2. Have you or someone you know experienced a similar house fire in your community? Share your experiences and tips.

Share this breaking update to keep neighbors informed,and leave your safety tips or questions in the comments below.

Incident Overview

• Date & Time: Friday, December 31 2025 – approximately 7:45 p.m.
• Location: 1825 Birch Road, East Liverpool, Ohio (ZIP 43920)
• Event: A structure fire engulfed a single‑family home; the blaze was fully contained after roughly two hours.
• Casualties: No injuries or fatalities were reported; residents were safely evacuated by fire‑department personnel.

Timeline of Events

1. 7:45 p.m. – Frist Call:
• 911 dispatch received a report of heavy smoke and flames from the Birch Road residence.
• East Liverpool Fire Department (ELFD) units “Engine 2” and “Rescue 1” were dispatched.

2. 7:48 p.m. – Arrival on Scene:
• First‑arriving crew observed the roof collapsing and flames spreading to the side‑wall.
• Immediate defensive attack initiated to protect neighboring properties.

3. 7:55 p.m. – Evacuation & Rescue:
• Two adult occupants and one child were accounted for and escorted to safety.
• EMS standby, but no medical treatment required.

4. 8:10 p.m. – Interior Attack:
• After the fire front stabilized, firefighters entered the structure to salvage valuables and extinguish hidden hotspots.

5. 9:30 p.m. – fire Under Control:
• All visible flames extinguished; overhaul and ventilation completed by 10:00 p.m.

Emergency Response details

• Units Responded: Engine 2,Ladder 1,Rescue 1,Battalion Chief,and two EMS ambulances.
• Mutual‑Aid: Assistance requested from neighboring Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department (two engines) for water supply.
• Equipment Used: High‑capacity pump, master stream nozzle, thermal imaging camera, and aerial ladder (75 ft).

Impact & Damage Assessment

• Structural Damage: roof and second‑floor severely compromised; total estimated loss $120,000–$150,000 (based on preliminary insurance adjuster report).
• Personal Property: Furniture and electronics on the first floor suffered smoke and water damage; several items salvaged during interior attack.
• Neighborhood: No secondary damage; adjacent homes remained intact thanks to defensive tactics.

Inquiry & Possible Causes

• Arson Status: Investigators from the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office classified the incident as “under investigation.”
• Preliminary Findings:
• Char patterns suggest the fire originated in the kitchen area.
• No evidence of accelerants detected at the scene.
• Next Steps: Fire marshal to interview occupants, review appliance maintenance records, and examine electrical wiring for faults.

Fire Safety Recommendations (Applicable to East Liverpool Residents)

• Install Smoke Alarms: Verify that working smoke detectors are placed on every level and outside sleeping areas. Replace batteries annually.
• Create an Escape plan: Practice a two‑exit exit strategy for each household member; include a designated meeting spot outside.
• Maintain Electrical Systems: Schedule regular inspections of wiring, especially in older homes built before 1990.
• Kitchen Vigilance: Never leave cooking unattended; keep a Class K fire extinguisher within arm’s reach.
• Seasonal Preparedness: Clear debris and flammable materials from around the home’s exterior; keep gutters free of leaves.

Community Support & Resources

• Emergency Shelters: East Liverpool Community Center (123 Main st.) opened a temporary shelter for displaced residents,offering basic supplies and counseling.
• Financial Assistance: Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA) provides disaster assistance grants for fire‑related losses; applications can be filed online at www.ohioema.gov.
• Counseling Services: The local chapter of the Red Cross offers free crisis counseling; contact 1‑800‑RED‑CROSS.

Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What should I do if I smell smoke while at home?	Evacuate immediately, close doors behind you, and call 911. Do not re‑enter until officials declare the area safe.
How quickly should smoke alarms be replaced?	Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years or sooner if they emit chirping sounds.
Can I claim fire damage on my homeowner’s insurance?	Yes—most policies cover fire damage; document losses with photos and retain all receipts for replacement items.
Will the fire department provide a fire safety inspection after the incident?	ELFD offers free post‑fire safety walkthroughs for affected homeowners; schedule by calling (304) 555‑0198.
Is it safe to use portable generators near my home?	Only use generators outdoors, at least 20 ft from windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon‑monoxide poisoning.

Practical Tips for Homeowners on Birch Road and Surrounding Areas

1. Inspect Chimneys Annually: Have a certified chimney sweep clean the flue before the heating season.
2. Upgrade to Smart Detectors: Wi‑Fi‑enabled smoke and CO alarms send alerts to smartphones, providing early warning even when you’re away.
3. Maintain Accessible Fire Extinguishers: Place one on each floor, preferably near the kitchen and garage; conduct a rapid “PASS” check monthly.
4. Document Home Contents: Keep an updated inventory (photos, serial numbers) for faster insurance claims.
5. Join Neighborhood Watch: Coordinate with neighbors to report suspicious activity; a collective effort can deter arson attempts.