Historic Ada church fire likely started by candles

ADA, Ohio — A fire that destroyed a historic Methodist church likely was caused by unattended candles, which had recently been lit and ignited combustible materials, authorities said.

The fire at the 19th-century First United Methodist Church at Main and Highland streets in downtown Ada officially will be ruled undetermined because investigators were unable to enter the structure because of heavy damage and safety concerns, according to a joint release by the state fire marshal and Ada Fire Chief Michael Harnishfeger.