Fire while thawing pipes destroys Newcomerstown home
NEWCOMERSTOWN, Ohio (WTUZ) (Feb. 2, 2026) — A Friday afternoon house fire in Newcomerstown left a home a total loss and claimed the lives of two pets, according to the Newcomerstown Fire Department.
The fire broke out in the 400 block of Sawmill Road just before 1 p.m. Responding crews reported heavy smoke visible from several miles away, prompting requests for additional tankers and manpower. Firefighters confirmed shortly after arrival that all occupants had safely exited the home, though two pets did not survive.
After extensive suppression efforts and overhaul, the blaze was brought under control. The property was deemed a total loss. Fire officials say the homeowners reported the fire began while they were attempting to thaw frozen pipes.
Several agencies assisted at the scene, including fire departments from Delaware Valley, Arrowhead Joint Fire District, Rush Township, Liberty, and Tippecanoe, along with the Tuscarawas County Sheriff’s Office and Tri-County Joint Ambulance District.