ARCHBOLD WEATHER

Causes Of Barn Fires Undetermined




The causes of two barn fires near the Pettisville area have been listed as undetermined.

The first fire was on property owned by Paul F. and Christine K. Rupp, 18857 US20A. The Wauseon Fire Department was dispatched to the fire at 12:34 pm, Saturday, Sept. 22.

The property is just east of the intersection of US20A and Co. Rd. 19.

The second was during the early morning hours of Sunday, Oct. 7, at property owned by Richard and Darlene Rufenacht, 18768 St. Rt. 2, east of the intersection of St. Rt. 2 and Co. Rd. 19.

Both barns were totally destroyed.

Because the two fires were just 15 days apart, and just two miles from one another, some speculated they may be the work of an arsonist.

Rick Sluder, Wauseon fire chief, said in an email message to this newspaper, “The results of both investigations was the fire cause is undetermined.

“The State Fire Marshal investigated both situations and found no correlation or similarities to indicate any suspicions of incendiary activity.”

Brian Bohnert, public information for the Fire Marshal Office, said investigators are working to finalize their report.



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