Trailer fire south of Ragersville claims 12 pets; home a total loss
BALTIC (WJER) (Feb. 11, 2026) — A fire south of Ragersville Wednesday morning left a trailer home destroyed and claimed the lives of a dozen pets, according to Baltic Fire Chief Gary Stein.
Firefighters were called to the 9200 block of Haas Road SW around 7:30 a.m., after the homeowner returned from a 12‑hour overnight shift and discovered smoke and flames coming from the back of her trailer. No people were inside at the time, but 11 cats and one dog died in the blaze.
Chief Stein said the trailer was already fully engulfed when crews arrived. Firefighters spent about an hour bringing the fire under control and remained on scene for more than three hours.
Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office were unable to determine a cause. Stein said the fire appeared to have started near the center of the trailer, but unsafe flooring conditions prevented a full inspection.
The home, valued at approximately $45,000, was insured. The homeowner is staying with parents who live nearby, and the Red Cross was contacted to provide additional assistance.