The fire started at a neighbor’s property as an open burn of leaves and other vegetation but it spread about 200 feet to a building at JL Wood Products, said Cameron Haller, Tipp City fire and EMS chief.
The fire spread because of the low humidity and dry conditions, according to a press release.
“The current low fuel moisture levels played a pivotal role in this situation,” Haller said.
When crews arrived, they found thick brown smoke venting from the eaves of the building. The fire started in the right back corner and approximately 20% of the structure was on fire, Haller said.
The business was closed at the time and no injuries were reported.
There were no fire hydrants within 1,000 feet so crews had to shuttle water in by tankers, Haller said. By 5:09 p.m. the fire was under control, fire officials said.
West Milton, Bethel, Vandalia, Casstown and all off-duty Tipp City fire personnel were called to the fire. Miami County sheriff’s deputies helped with traffic control and locating neighbors. AES Ohio secured power to the burning building.
The estimated damage was $50,000, including $35,000 for the building and $15,000 for contents, according to Haller.
Under Ohio law, open burns are prohibited from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in unincorporated areas in March, April, May, October and November.
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