Friday morning fire heavily damages apartment home east of Neptune

NEPTUNE — A Friday morning fire caused extensive damage to a two-story apartment home along State Route 33 east of Neptune.

Celina Fire Chief Brian Miller said the call was received at approximately 7:26 a.m. after a passerby reported the structure fire. Everyone was out of the building when firefighters arrived.

The first crews at the scene found heavy flames coming through the roof near the back of the house. Miller said firefighters from Celina and St. Marys entered the second floor and worked for an extended period to bring the fire under control.

The house was divided into two apartments, with one on each floor. Miller said the second-floor apartment sustained heavy fire damage and is considered a complete loss. The first-floor apartment received smoke and water damage.

Close to 30 firefighters responded from Celina, St. Marys, St. Marys Township, Mendon and Rockford. Tankers from St. Marys Township and Rockford were called to provide additional water.

The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office was called because of the extent of the damage and estimated financial loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.