The Courier
REPUBLIC, Ohio — The state fire marshal says extensive damage has prevented investigators from identifying the cause of the house fire that killed a family of five early Tuesday.
The fire was reported at 3:17 a.m. at 13843 E. Reed Township 124, near Republic in Seneca County, by a passing truck driver who saw flames and smoke coming from the residence. By the time firefighters arrived, the house was engulfed in flames.
The Lucas County coroner has not completed the autopsy reports, but the victims are tentatively identified as Joseph Hamilton, 34; Holly Hamilton, 32; and their children, Olivia Bondy, 12; Jaxon Hamilton, 8; and Linkin Hamilton, 6.
A memorial service for the family will be held today in Tiffin.
The fire marshal said possible causes include electric space heaters and smoking. No evidence of criminal activity was found. The propane heating system and wood burner were ruled out as the cause.
Investigators believe there were battery-operated smoke detectors throughout the home, but it is unknown if they were working.
The fire was also investigated by the Attica-Venice-Reed Joint Fire District, the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office and county coroner’s office.
Copyright 2012 Courier, The (Findlay, OH)
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