Cause unknown in Springfield early morning house fire

Linn said that crews originally responded to a report of a structure fire at around 3 a.m. While still on the way, Linn said, they received multiple phone calls about the house fire.

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On arrival, crews found a two-story wood-frame vacant structure. Fire had spread through the first floor, descending from the second floor.

Part of the roof had already collapsed onto the second floor when firefighters arrived.

In addition, fire crews were partially blocked from reaching the house by a tree, which had to be cut down for the ladder crew to reach under the overhead power lines to the flames.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, although Linn said a cursory look around the first floor didn't find any evidence of someone spending time in the house. Ohio Edison confirmed that there was no electricity to the house, but fire crews were unable to confirm if there was still a natural gas supply. 
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The search will continue after the sun comes up, Linn said.

When asked if there was anything he would like to add, Linn said, “Good work to all the crews.”

UPDATE @ 5:05 a.m.: 

Firefighters are investigating what led to a fire that broke out in a vacant house on Catherine Street in Springfield early Monday morning.

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Flames were reportedly showing from the structure when fire crews first arrived on scene in the 300 block of Catherine Street around 3:30 a.m.

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No injuries have been initially reported.

Our crew remains on the scene and we’ll update this story as we learn more.

FIRST REPORT:

Firefighters are responding to a reported house fire in the 300 block of Catherine Street in Springfield.

According to scanner traffic, when crews arrived they found flames coming from the second floor of a house.

We are working to learn more and will update this story as more information becomes available.