The fire department was dispatched to battle the blaze around 2 a.m. in the attached garage of a home at 473 Fairfield Pike belonging to residents John and Sonya Clark. The fire eventually spread to the home, but the garage was a total loss, according to Police Chief Brian Carlson.
Carlson said one of the residents suffered minor burns as they were rescued and the department’s public outreach specialist will be working with the couple to make sure they have the resources they need to recover from the fire and give them the assistance they may need.
The cause of the fire is not known at this time, Carlson said.
Art Mullins and Jaimie Wilkie live across the street and witnessed the flames and subsequent damage that was involved.
“You could see the flames and ash shooting up from the garage and the ash was coming up everywhere,” Mullins said. “We didn’t see any other damage, but are glad to know they made it out safe.”
MORE: Greene County declares emergency after tornadoes cause extensive damage
Mullins said that a local man, Ransome Phelps came upon the scene and rescued the Clarks and their dog.
Phelps confirmed that he was able to save them, but said he was too traumatized at the time to recount his heroics that saved lives.
Resident Kate Hamilton said that “he’s a hero,” and that many people are glad the couple made it out of their burning residence alive.
The couple is well known in town. John Clark is an avid classic car collector and the couple is active in the community.
MORE: Number of injured at Dayton-area hospitals now at 65
The fire hit on the same day that Greene County commissioners issued a county-wide emergency after tornadoes hit the area Monday evening that caused extensive damage.
About the Author