Big blaze ravages downtown Fostoria - Thursday, February 28, 2008 | Courier Electronic Edition

Local News

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Big blaze ravages downtown Fostoria

By MARIAH MERCER

and CHANDRA NIKLEWSKI

FOSTORIA REVIEW TIMES

FOSTORIA — Five fire departments battled a big blaze Wednesday night that was ravaging a block of downtown business buildings in Fostoria.

At least seven Fostoria businesses on and near the 100 block of South Main Street were affected. Apartments above some of the stores also were burning.

No injuries were reported.

The Findlay, Washington Township, Tiffin and Bascom Joint fire departments assisted the Fostoria Fire Department.

The fire apparently started about 6:30 p.m. in a building at the corner of Tiffin and Main streets. The building houses Fitness and Nutrition by Brett, owned by Brett Cousin, plus Lincoln Mortgage and D's Body Shop.

The blaze then spread to adjoining, connected buildings that stretch a half-block on Main between Tiffin and Center streets.

A crowd of more than 100 gathered in the downtown, many snapping photos with cameras and cell phones, as snow fell on the burning buildings.

At 8:08 p.m. firefighters announced they were taking a defensive position and that the fire was on the third floor of the Kaminsky building at 120 S. Main St. and spreading.

Flames burst through the exterior walls of that building at 8:16 p.m. The fire then traveled to the east.

At 10:30 p.m., flames erupted from the east side of another, connected building that faces Center Street.

The Kaminsky family, owner of Kaminsky and Son Jewelers, pulled jewelry and other merchandise from their building on Main Street until firefighters told them to leave the scene.

Cousin also attempted to get into his building to save what he could of his new business, but was denied access.

"I tried to get them to let me go in and get my filing cabinet, but no way," Cousin said.

Keith Owen, owner of the former Doug's Tavern on Tiffin Street, said he unlocked that building for firefighters at 6:42 p.m.

"When I opened the door, the place was loaded with smoke. I was gagging."

According to Owen, the upper levels of all the buildings are connected and there are no fire walls.

Fostoria law director and local attorney Tim Hoover came to check on his law office, which directly faces the burning buildings.

"I came up to check that I still have a law office," he said. "I'm worried about my office, but I feel even worse for the Kaminskys."

Clay Wolph, owner of Wolph Chiropractic, also across from the blaze, was on hand too.

"We were in our offices ... and at about 6:30 p.m. we smelled something like incense," Wolph said.

Joan Nelson contributed to this report.

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LOCAL NEWS

LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...

SNOW REMOVAL wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

SNOW REMOVAL

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AFFORDABLE SNOW REMOVAL CALL MIKE (419) 236-9474...NO NEED TO PICK UP A SHOVEL OR CRANK UP THE SNOWBLOWER...

2/9/2010 12:42:55 PM

HLB wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

That's really sad...

You know, people are rude enough most of the time in this city and this last storm when random folks pulled together and I saw t...

2/9/2010 12:32:18 PM

rob wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

pile of snow

I cannot believe someone would call up and complain that a pile of snnow was blocking their view. What is this world coming to....

2/9/2010 11:38:49 AM

tim wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":

put the blades down this time

Can someone please tell me why I see and saw several snowplows driving down streets that needed plowed with the blades up?

2/9/2010 10:39:25 AM

Jimbo wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":

To Debbie..

I want to express that I understand where you are going with your post, but be practical. If a level 3 is called, that means no...

2/9/2010 10:35:28 AM

Steve wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":

unknown

That would be a personal responsibility choice. We all know what the winter situation is in NW Ohio and we all should be prepar...

2/9/2010 9:56:48 AM

J wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":

Citizen........

Findlay is located in Hancock County..... Therefore, yes. If Hancock Co goes into a level 3 that includes Findlay....

2/9/2010 9:17:27 AM

Debbie wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":

Level 3

Weathertech09~ would you like the hospital to be closed because no one is there to care for you or a loved one due to being cite...

2/9/2010 9:04:12 AM

STEVE wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":

LEVEL 3

Citizen, Is the City of Findlay in Hancock County? I believe the article ref all the cars stuck in the snow Barker specifically...

2/9/2010 8:55:52 AM

Interested Observer... wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":

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In case you've never looked into it, which you obviously haven't. You can buy a used 4WD for the same money as a lot of 2WD veh...

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U.S. Headlines

World News

Ohio News

News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.

Registration begins at noon.

The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.

The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.

Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.

Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.

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Local News

Thursday, February 28, 2008

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