Five dogs are back with their family, and a North College Hill home is badly damaged after a late-night fire tore through a single-story house on Kirkland Drive yesterday. The blaze broke out just after 9:15 p.m. in the 6600 block, and firefighters rolled up to find flames chewing through much of the structure before pulling the pets to safety.
Fire department account
According to the Cincinnati Fire Department, the fire started in a bedroom when an unattended candle ignited nearby materials. Crews estimated the damage at roughly $100,000 after the flames ripped through the home. Firefighters received multiple calls from the 6600 block of Kirkland Drive shortly after 9:15 p.m., and additional units were sent in to knock down what they described as a heavy fire, FOX19 reported.
Candle fires remain a common hazard
If you needed another reason not to fall asleep with a candle burning, the National Fire Protection Association has a few. The organization notes that while candles make up a relatively small share of home-fire causes, they are linked to a disproportionate number of injuries and deaths when left unattended or placed too close to combustible materials. NFPA guidance advises skipping candles in bedrooms altogether, keeping open flames at least a foot away from anything that can burn, and using flameless options when pets are roaming around or people might doze off. The full candle-safety recommendations are available from the NFPA.
Pets saved, family displaced
Firefighters said no one was inside the house when the fire started. The five dogs were rescued from the home and later reunited with their owners once crews had the blaze under control. No injuries were reported at the scene, but the family of four is temporarily displaced because of the extent of the damage, according to FOX19.
How neighbors can help
Residents who want to lend a hand to families dealing with fires can connect with local volunteer groups or reach out to the American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio region, which offers disaster-relief resources and housing assistance. The Red Cross also runs a home-fire campaign that provides smoke alarm installations for vulnerable households. Regional contact information and program details are available on the American Red Cross Central & Southern Ohio page.
