At approximately 6:19 PM on January 21, 2025, the Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division responded to a reported fire at The University Apartments, located at 186 East Market Street, Tiffin, Ohio. Upon arrival within three minutes of the initial call, fire crews encountered a large amount of fire extending from a first-floor apartment through an open exterior stairwell and reaching the roof of the three-story building.
The University Apartments consists of three stories, with the main floor serving as garden-level apartments. Each floor contains four apartments, and eight of the units were occupied at the time of the fire. Crews swiftly worked to extinguish the exterior fire and initiated a search for victims while checking for fire extension within the building. Despite their rapid response, several apartments sustained significant fire damage.
The challenging sub-zero temperatures and high winds contributed to the fire’s rapid spread, creating hazardous conditions for firefighters and residents alike. In total, 12 residents were displaced due to the fire.
More than 30 firefighters from Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division and assisting agencies, including Fostoria Fire Division and Bascom Joint Fire District, worked at the scene for over two and a half hours. Additional support was provided by Seneca County CERT, Tiffin Police Department, the Red Cross, AEP, and AQUA. Their combined efforts ensured the safety of all residents and the containment of the fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents with temporary shelter and other needs. The Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division commends the bravery and dedication of all responders who worked under extremely challenging conditions to bring the incident under control.
For further information, please contact Fire Chief Rob Chappell of the Tiffin Fire/Rescue Division at 419-448-5448 or [email protected]