Homeowner is burned in Hancock County fire

12/10/2006

ADA, Ohio A home was destroyed and the homeowner suffered minor burns on his hands during a fire yesterday north of here in Hancock County s Orange Township, authorities said.

The blaze started about 10:15 a.m. from a wood-pellet stove in the first-floor living room at the home of Paul Ruess on U.S. 30 near County Road 12, Jenera Assistant Fire Chief Tom Higbie said.

It took six fire departments and more than 50 firefighters to extinguish the blaze. A damage estimate was not available; the two story, three-bedroom home was not insured, Chief Higbie said.

Mr. Ruess was home with his grandson when the fire started. The grandson flagged down a passing truck driver who called 911 while Mr. Ruess tried unsuccessfully to contain the fire. Mr. Ruess was treated at the scene for the burns, Chief Higbie said.

The Hancock County Chapter of the American Red Cross is assisting the family, who will stay with relatives, he said.