Elderly Woman Killed in Ohio House Fire

KILLBUCK – Authorities are investigating the cause of a Wednesday night mobile home fire that claimed the life of a Killbuck woman and caused a responding firefighter to be hospitalized.

Sarah S. Carpenter, 74, was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire, according to Holmes County Sheriff Tim Zimmerly, whose deputies are working with State Fire Marshal’s Office investigators and Holmes County Coroner Dr. Robert Anthony to investigate the fatal fire at 675 N. Buckeye Alley.

A Killbuck squad also transported to Pomerene Hospital in Millersburg a Killbuck firefighter who began experiencing symptoms of a cardiac episode while fighting the fire. He was later transferred to Aultman Hospital in Canton, said Killbuck fire Chief Keith Mohler.

The fire was reported to the Sheriff’s Office via 9-1-1 around 8:22 p.m.

Killbuck Township fire and EMS personnel responded to the property to find the mobile home heavily involved with smoke and flames, according to a press release issued by Zimmerly, which notes the initial call suggested there may have been one or more people trapped inside.

The fire traveled rapidly through the mobile home, which, because of building materials used and construction, is more vulnerable to fire than other structures, Mohler said.

After the fire was brought under control, firefighters entered the residence and discovered Carpenter, already dead, according to the sheriff’s report.

Even before firefighters arrived, bystanders attempted to make a rescue attempt, and at least one entered the home, but was pushed back by smoke, fire and heat, according to Chief Deputy Richard Haun, noting Carpenter made no audible response to calls to her.

The fire brought out many bystanders, said Mohler, explaining, “I think the whole Village of Killbuck was there.”

And, while responders refused many offers of help, he said, he is particularly thankful to one man who helped in the early stages, assisting firefighters in unrolling and laying hoses. The unknown man, Mohler said, disappeared before he could be properly thanked.

“Seems like they all come together in time of need,” Mohler said of Killbuck residents in general.

Mohler said he and many of the responding firefighters knew Carpenter, a longtime Killbuck resident. “She was a nice lady. Everybody liked her.”

The cause of the fire is yet undetermined, but does not appear to be the product of foul play, said Zimmerly, who said the fire appears to have originated near a bedroom. Carpenter was located in the kitchen on the oppositeof the home.

“A structure fire is always a tragedy, but when someone loses their life in a fire, we just need to keep the family in our thoughts and prayers. It’s a real tragedy this happened,” said Zimmerly.

Holmes County Coroner Dr. Robert Anthony examined the deceased at the scene, and the body was then transported by Smith Ambulance to the Stark County Coroner’s Office for autopsy, which will identify a cause of death.

It is unknown if the home was equipped with working smoke detectors.

While Carpenter’s son also resided in the mobile home, he was not at home at the time of the fire.

Assisting the Killbuck Fire Department were personnel from Holmes Fire District No. 1, Richland Township Fire and EMS, East Holmes Fire and EMS and Walhonding Valley Fire.

Reporter Christine Pratt can be reached at 330-674-5676 or cpratt@the-daily-record.com She’s @drnewsgirl on Twitter.