UPDATED: Tuesday at 3:24 p.m.
Cleanup and investigation efforts are continuing following a large fire that broke out Monday afternoon in Urbana’s downtown area.
The Urbana Fire Division says several buildings in the 300 block of West Court Street sustained significant damage when flames spread across multiple connected structures.
Firefighters initially attempted to enter the buildings but were forced to combat the blaze from the outside after a power line went down, creating unsafe conditions for crews inside. Portions of the structures later collapsed, further limiting access and complicating firefighting efforts.
The fire was eventually contained that evening, but crews remained on scene overnight to monitor for hot spots and secure the area. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
The Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation into the cause of the fire, while Urbana officials work to assess the damage and cost of the response.
Urbana Fire Chief Dean Ortlieb offers an update about the situation.
Fire department officials expressed gratitude for the strong community support and assistance from partner agencies. Along with Urbana Fire, help came from Box 13, dispatch, law enforcement, and public works — as well as mutual aid from JSP Fire, Mac-O-Chee EMS, Mechanicsburg Fire, Moorefield Township Fire, Northeast Champaign County Fire, and West Liberty Fire.
Residents are being advised that smoke and odors may continue to be noticeable in the area as cleanup continues.
