(From the State Fire Marshal)

Investigators with the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal have determined that a house fire in Wyandot County last Sunday was caused by arson. They are now seeking tips from the public to help identify those responsible.

At 2:26 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, the Wharton Fire Department was dispatched by the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office to a structure fire at 16264 Township Highway 45 in Wharton.

When firefighters arrived on scene, they found a vacant house fully engulfed in flames, most of which had collapsed into the basement and crawlspace. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported.

During the investigation, the fire was determined to have been intentionally set.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Anyone with information is urged to contact the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728 or the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office at 419-294-2362. All tips will be thoroughly investigated.