Fixture sparks massive OH house fire

CONVOY, OHIO (WANE) -- Fire crews with the Convoy Fire Department spent over four hours on the scene of a massive house fire in Van Wert County Ohio Saturday morning.

Crews were called around 5 a.m. to Waller Road after the homeowners and their four kids woke up and heard crackling and saw sparks, then fire coming from a light fixture that was hanging down near the front door.

They said they saw all of this before the smoke detectors even went off.

While fighting the fire, rotating crews started to run out of air and water had to call in a tanker and help from the Monroeville Fire Department.  Crews from Payne and Van Wert also responded.

Fire crews on scene said they were in defense mode for most of the battle, meaning firefighters stayed outside, trying to fight the fire from there because the home could collapse. Convoy Fire Department Capt. Gary Kreischer said the cold and wind were also factors that kept the fire so strong.  Crews worked to keep other nearby structures from catching fire.

The homeowners, along with four kids and both of their dogs were able to get out of the home safely.

"I don't care about materialistic things, and it's just a home. I'm glad that my four kids and my two dogs and my husband and I got out, so that's all that matters," said homeowner, Star Hampton. "I'm pretty calm right now, just a little saddened, I guess for my children. I feel for them, what they're thinking and their thoughts."