A Newark, Ohio, community was struck by tragedy last Saturday morning when a fire engulfed a family's home, resulting in injuries to two adults and two children. According to a report by DTV, the Newark Fire Department responded to the blaze around 7:20 a.m. in the 400 block of Tuscarawas Street, with firefighters arriving to heavy smoke and flames.
Neighbors played a critical role in this life-threatening scenario, as captured by ABC6, locals Brandon Mayhan and an unnamed neighbor used a ladder to assist two young boys and their father to safety from the second story. In a statement obtained by ABC6, Mayhan said, "I threw my boots on, and two kids were trying to get out through the top roof." The urgency intensified when Mayhan learned that a grandfather was still inside, forcing him to brave the collapsing structure. "I said is there anybody else in the house and he’s like my dad’s in there. My dad’s in there," recounted Mayhan, who sustained injuries while pulling the elder man to safety.
Authorities are still investigating what caused the destructive fire, which inflicted considerable damage upon the home. Details on the victims' conditions were not fully disclosed, but local reports from WBNS noted that they were transported to Licking Memorial Hospital with burn injuries. Despite the severity of the situation, all four family members, including the children, are expected to recover.
The Red Cross has been notified to provide assistance to the affected family, while the Licking County Dog Shelter is taking in donations to care for the ten dogs that fire crews saved from the home. This detail was highlighted by ABC6's coverage. Adding to the community's support efforts, neighbors have begun a GoFundMe campaign to help the family rebuild their lives after the devastating loss of their home and belongings. "Everything’s pretty much burnt. There’s nothing like they lost everything," said Mayhan, indicating the complete devastation experienced by the family.
