Morning garage fire in Rush Township ruled accidental
UHRICHSVILLE (WJER) (Jan. 22, 2026) – Firefighters from Uhrichsville and several neighboring departments responded to a garage fire blamed on a heating mishap Thursday morning in Rush Township.
Crews were called to the 4700 block of Toad Hollow Road Southeast shortly after 8 a.m. for a fire in a small detached garage measuring approximately 28 by 24 feet. Uhrichsville Chief Judd Edwards says the homeowner discovered the fire and reported it at 8:10 a.m.
The garage contained yard tools, several lawn mowers, and cats that were inside at the time. Edwards says the animals did not survive, and most of the contents of the garage were destroyed.
Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control quickly once they arrived on the scene. No one was injured, and there was no damage to the nearby residence, which was located about 30 yards from the garage.
The fire was ruled accidental and is believed to have been caused by an electrical malfunction. Edwards says the malfunction was likely connected to measures taken by the homeowner to keep the cats warm inside the garage.
He is reminding the public to use extension cords that are rated for the electrical load they are carrying and to make sure heating lamps and similar devices are properly secured. Edwards advises residents to take extra precautions to ensure heating equipment is used safely, especially during colder weather.