Winds hindered efforts to extinguish the Christmas morning fire at 21763 Raymond Road. Fire officials said the family, which is being helped by the Red Cross, cannot live in the home. (Photo submitted)
A family of five remains homeless this morning after a house fire early Christmas morning.
Chief Tim Merrick of the Liberty Township Fire Department said the department received a call at 12:15 a.m. Saturday, about a house fire at 21763 Raymond Road.
He said the neighbors saw the home on fire and called the fire department.
“No one was at home,” Merrick said. “They were all at family for Christmas.”
The chief said a dog and a goat were taken to the Ohio State University Animal Hospital, though it appears they were doing well.
“The cats are still missing,” he said.
Merrick said fire crews remained at the scene for about three hours.
“We stayed a little longer with the wind,” Merrick said.
He explained that, “we had winds that night, coming from the south, blowing into the house, which made it more difficult to extinguish.”
Merrick said the cause of the fire, as well as the source, are still “under investigation.”
He said the heaviest damage is in the rear of the home, indicating it likely started somewhere in the back of the home though it could have started outside the house.
Merrick said there is “heavy damage to the rear of the house.”
He added that the home “cannot be occupied at this time.”
The local Red Cross is caring for the family, which includes a husband, wife and three children.
Merrick said those who want to help the family can contact the local Red Cross at (937) 642-6651 or the Liberty Township Fire Department at (937) 246-2156.
The Liberty Township Fire Department was assisted by the Allen Township, Bokes Creek and Marysville fire departments.