On Jan 27th at approximately 4:17 p.m. Springfield Township Fire & EMS Department was dispatched to a report of a fire at, The Burlington Store which is located at 580 N. Lexington-Springmill Road in Ontario, Ohio (Richland County). Upon arrival, the units found an occupied store with active fire inside. The large fire present was not able to be extinguished by the sprinkler system or secondary means by fire extinguishers on site. One person was treated and released for smoke inhalation.
Due to the fire conditions encountered by arriving crews, it was determined to conduct an investigation for the “Cause of the Fire”. In conjunction with Ontario Police, Ohio State Fire Marshall’s Office and Springfield Township’s Arson investigators this process is still ongoing.
As a result of the collaborative ongoing investigation, it was determined this was a crime and not natural or accidental causes. Authorities are seeking information on this crime. We ask anyone present or that has pictures, videos, or other information please contact the authorities immediately.
Ontario Police Department-419-529 2115
Springfield Township Fire/EMS Investigator Josh Bradley-419-295-5071