Toronto Fire Department providing smoke detectors
TORONTO — The Toronto Fire Department is offering to supply and install smoke detectors to residents of the city and Knox Township through a program of the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.
City Fire Chief Bill Scheel said about two dozen smoke detectors are available at no cost through the state program, which teams with local fire departments to help reduce the risk of injuries and death caused by fires.
Those interested in receiving one should call (740) 537-1021 to schedule an installation, which must be done by local firefighters under the program’s guidelines.
Scheel said the project comes at a good time, when efforts to heat homes in very cold temperatures can result in a widespread structure fire.
The state fire marshal’s office has compiled a checklist of common household features, including fireplaces, space heaters and chimneys, that should be addressed to prevent potentially devastating blazes.
It can be found at https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/state-fire-marshal/fire-prevention/fire-safety-guides.
Scheel confirmed the city’s fire department responded Wednesday to a fire at 402 North Seventh St. that resulted in extensive water damage to the home.
He said a man inside the home at the time was able to evacuate unharmed but didn’t have insurance for it.
Scheel said the blaze is believed to have been accidental and originated in a garage before spreading to the home.
Scheel said the structure had multiple roofs, which made it difficult for firefighters to contain it.
He said a nearby hydrant also was frozen, making it necessary for firefighters from the city and Steubenville to use others in the vicinity.
The Toronto department responded to another fire at 1008 Franklin Ave. on Jan. 10 that originated from the home’s chimney and damaged its exterior while also releasing smoke inside.
A resident of the home was transported for treatment of smoke inhalation.