Pair die in Monday fire
Miami County Coroner Dr. Bill Ginn identified the two people who died Monday as 56-year-old Lillie Patton and 51-year-old Cyril Dapore.
The fire was reported in the 3100 block of West Ziegler Road in Washington Twp., north of Piqua, around 12:48 p.m.
Piqua firefighters arrived to an active fire with heavy smoke and flames coming from the front of the residence, said Piqua Fire Assistant Chief Doug Stewart.
Patton and Dapore were found inside and pronounced deceased at the scene. No other injuries were reported, Stewart said.
The house is a total loss, and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the Ohio Fire Marshal.
As cold temperatures continue through the winter, Stewart reminded people using space heaters to keep them away from combustible items.
He also noted firefighters see a higher call volume during the winter and may take a little longer to respond.
Man dies in fire near Troy
A Troy man died Thursday, Jan. 16, following a fire at his Polecat Road home.
Elijah Evans, 71, was taken to Upper Valley Medical Center following the fire, but was pronounced dead there.
The Troy Fire Department responded to the fire, which was reported by a passerby around 6 p.m. Several other departments assisted Troy in putting out the fire.
The Polecat Road fire remains under investigation by the fire department, the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the sheriff’s office. Sheriff Dave Duchak said based on preliminary information, this fire is believed to be electrical in nature.