Fatal Fire Raises Concerns About Firefighter Cuts

MARION, Ohio—A 7-month-old girl and 3-year-old boy were killed in an apartment fire last Friday.

The children’s deaths are raising concerns there may not be enough firefighters in this Central Ohio community.

Two men ran inside the burning apartment building and were able to help rescue several other residents but were not able to save the two young children. 

As the economy worsens and cities tighten purse strings, locals are concerned that more firefighters could face cuts, putting the safety of this community in jeopardy.

As the community mourns the loss, NBC 4 is GETTING ANSWERS as to the staffing situation within the fire department. 

The Marion fire chief said two squads were out on medic calls when the fire call came in. 

Within three minutes, the lone squad arrived on the scene on Blaine Avenue.

A three-man firefighting team immediately went to work, trying to rescue the children inside. 

Mayor Scott Schertzer said firefighter ranks have dropped in number over the past few years because of a dwindling economy. 

The fire chief said thousands of medical-emergency calls a year can lead to weaker numbers in some spots of the city. 

Schertzer said help from township firefighters can help with the crunch. 

Without new revenue, Schertzer said it’s hard to find enough money to add to the ranks. 

Both the fire chief and mayor said the response time was good on the call.

The fire chief even added that 12 men most likely wouldn’t have been able to save those two children. 

He reminded residents to check and test or install smoke detectors.

Division of State Fire Marshal investigators are continuing their investigation of Friday’s fatal fire in Marion.

The cause of the fire remained undetermined and under investigation Monday.

The origin of the fire was a second-floor bedroom, according to the fire marshal.

Investigators said smoke detectors were found throughout the structure, but it remained undetermined if they activated.

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