Approximately 4:45 pm on Wednesday May 6, 2020, Rittman Fire and Rescue was dispatched to 118 Maplewood Ave for a residential structure fire. Initial reports indicated fully involved with at least one exposure on the Bravo side.

Upon arrival, first units indicated heavy fire on the Alpha Bravo corner and multiple explosions from the attached garage on that corner. It was determined that all the occupants had escaped safely.

A second alarm was activated as the first engine company made their initial attack on the Alpha Bravo corner in a transitional attack. The second attack team made their way interior through the man door on the Alpha side. The coordinated attack was able to contain the fire within a few minutes.

Arrival of the rapid intervention team from Orrville Fire and mutual aid engines from Sterling Fire and Chippewa Township Fire provided ventilation crews and back up for our attack teams. Arriving on scene and placed in street level staging was engine crews from both Seville-Guilford and Wadsworth.

By 5:30 the fire had been controlled and attack teams transitioned into overhaul operations which continued until approximately 7:30 pm. Crews returned safely home around 8:00pm. Red Cross was contacted and was on scene to assist the family who lived at the residence. There have been some local “drives” established to provide them some clothing or financial assistance if you are able.

Currently, the State Fire Marshal is investigating cause and origin and will provide results shortly.

Thank you for the support from Orrville Fire, Chippewa Township Fire, Sterling Fire, Seville Guilford Fire, Wadsworth Fire, Rittman Police, Red Cross, State Fire Marshal and the organization that keeps it all together, Wayne County Communications (8500).

We had 23 Rittman Fire and Rescue employees respond to this incident and without them we would not have been able to successfully attack and suppress this fire.

We are thankful everyone went home safely and the family was not injured. Please keep them in your prayers.