Crews battle fire at historic home in Perrysburg

A firefighter douses flames that can be seen shooting from the roof of this home at 566 Front St. in Perrysburg. Enlarge

Fire crews used foam to battle the blaze in hopes of not damaging the historic home further. Enlarge

Perrysburg fire crews battled a fire Thursday morning at a historic home in the 500 block of East Front Street near Hickory Street, authorities said.

A couple had escaped unhurt from the house at 566 Front and called the fire department, which arrived about 6 a.m., according to a Perrysburg police and fire dispatcher.

Crews saw flames at the back of the house on the ground level creeping up the wall.

Fire Chief Jeff Klein said the house, which was built in 1840, recently was renovated and has a lot of hidden spaces that make battling a blaze more difficult because firefighters can be surprised when flames flare up in those spaces.

The home is owned by Perrysburg Municipal Court Judge S. Dwight Osterud and his wife, Judith A. Reitzel, according to Wood County Auditor records.

Firefighters used foam to douse the flames rather than water because it is more effective in fighting a fire with wooden construction such as the historic home has. Chief Klein said he is hopeful that the house will be saved.

Front Street remained closed as of 12:15 p.m. Engines were leaving the scene but the road is expected to remain closed to traffic for as long as three more hours, Perrysburg police said.

Crews from Perrysburg Township and Maumee assisted at the scene.

No damage estimate was available.

Details will be published as they become available. Keep checking toledoblade.com for updates.