The Cincinnati Enquirer

COLERAIN TOWNSHIP - An electrical hazard kept township firefighters Saturday from aggressively tackling a single-family house fire in the 2300 block of Washington Avenue.

A sparking meter and power line delayed firefighting efforts. (Glenn Hartong photo) | ZOOM |

A neighbor reported the fire at 6:12 a.m.

When firefighters from Colerain and Springfield townships arrived, the family living in the home had safely escaped.

Flames were shooting from the front and side of the home, but firefighters used caution fighting the blaze because of a popping sound near where a power line entered the home, firefighter Jeff Obermeyer said.

Firefighters fought the fire from outside and used a minimum of water until Cinergy workers assured them that it was safe.

"We kind of let it go," Obermeyer said. "It was pretty much a total loss."

Damage is estimated to be about $75,000.

Firefighters could not say whether the electrical hazard had anything to do with sparking the fire and continued to investigate a possible cause.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family.