West Chester house so unstable after fire that investigation waits

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

A house that was consumed by fire in West Chester Twp. over the weekend is so unstable fire officials cannot even enter the structure to do a full investigation.

The blaze began about 6:30 p.m. Saturday at a residence in the 7400 block of Cincinnati-Dayton Rd. Ammunition exploded in the basement, which caused neighbors some concern, according to township spokeswoman Barb Wilson. The house is a total loss.

RELATED: Fire destroys home in West Chester Twp.

Wilson said fire officials are still trying to determine the cause of the fire, but the task is difficult.

“Due to the damage of the structure, it is not safe for entry to complete an investigation,” Wilson said. “Fire department investigators, however, are working to secure statements and other evidence to determine a cause.”

A resident and dogs escaped without injury.

Wilson said the fire had engulfed the house when firefighters arrived. Firefighters could not enter the home to look for hot spots, so they stayed the night on scene to make sure there were no flare-ups.

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