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OH fire under investigation; homeowner hospitalized
Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio (November 19, 2008)Nov. 19--Firefighters and police are investigating a suspicious fire that gutted a New Franklin house Monday night.
An off-duty firefighter and police officer helped David Messner, the homeowner, who was at the doorway of the smoke-filled house when they arrived, get to safety. He was transported to Akron Children's Hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation but is expected to recover, said New Franklin Fire Chief Perry Surgeon.
The home at 5508 Pepperidge Road was destroyed, resulting in a loss of about $110,000, Surgeon said.
The fire, which started in the basement, is being investigated by New Franklin firefighters and police.
"At this point, we do not think it was accidental," Surgeon said.
Firefighter Don Burroughs, Messner's next-door neighbor, alerted the fire department to the blaze at 9:21 p.m. Monday.
Firefighters from New Franklin, Coventry Township and Clinton fought the fire until about 1 a.m. At that point, Surgeon said, there was significant damage to the basement and smoke damage to the first floor of the one-story ranch. He estimated the amount of damage at that point at about $35,000.
"Everything seemed to be OK," he said. "We had done our final inspection."
The fire flared up again about 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, with the roof igniting. Surgeon said the second blaze damaged the rest of the home, resulting in a total loss.
Firefighters from New Franklin, Coventry, Clinton and Green were on the scene until about 9 a.m.
Surgeon said the second fire was caused by a hot spot missed in the initial blaze.
Messner's wife and children weren't home at the time of the fire. The family had homeowner's insurance, and they will stay with relatives, the chief said.
Surgeon hopes to have the report on the fire finished by today.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705 or swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com.
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