Crews stay overnight at scene of West Chester house fire

West Chester Twp. firefighters remain on the scene today of a fire that destroyed a house on Cincinnati-Dayton Road.

The blaze began about 6:30 p.m. Saturday at a residence in the 7400 block of Cincinnati-Dayton. Ammunition exploded in the basement, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to Barb Wilson, township spokeswoman. The house is a total loss.

A resident and dogs escaped without injury.

Wilson said the fire had engulfed the house when firefighters arrived. Because the house is not structurally sound, firefighters could not enter to check for hot spots. So crews remained at the scene overnight to assure there was no rekindle.

Much of the area surrounding the scene is icy today, due to the frigid temperatures. Wilson said a neighbor across the street took in firefighters last night, making coffee and offering warmth while they fought the fire.

Six fire departments assisted the West Chester Township Fire Department in the fire.

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