“The neighbors called it in and also several passerbys,” stated Washington Township Fire Department Chief David Compton regarding a fire reported at 4:36 p.m. on Friday at 1311 Sandy Lane, Mansfield.
Four fire departments responded with pumper/tankers, engines, and an ambulance to the blaze that Compton was believed to be a total loss.
“There was heavy smoke and heat damage to the upstairs and also the main floor of the basement. It was pretty much a total loss from the fire damage. It appears the fire originated in the basement,” said Compton. The exact cause of the fire was not known when the chief was able to comment shortly after the fire.
The homeowners, Tom and Cheryl Dix, were not home when the fire broke out and no one was injured.
Madison Township’s pumper/tanker drew water from a dry hydrant at a pond across the road and fed water to a responding Washington Township engine. Monroe Township – Lucas Fire Department and Mifflin Township fire departments also responded in mutual aid to the Washington Township fire near Mansfield Lucas and Washington North Roads.
Two members of Washington Township’s Fire Rehab also responded. The unit provides drinks and snacks to firefighters. One of the member said the unit responds when they are available and are toned out by Richland County fire departments.
