Fire crews were called to 120 Blair Avenue around 3:45 p.m., where smoke and sparks were reported coming from the home.
Bellefontaine firefighters were assisted by Tri-Valley Fire & EMS and the Huntsville Fire Department in responding to the scene.
The homeowner, Gary Kiser, had a new electric water heater installed just two weeks ago.
A neighbor noticed smoke coming from the water heater’s roof vent pipe and quickly alerted Kiser.
A passerby also stopped to warn him.
Kiser was able to evacuate the home safely, along with his two dogs.
According to officials, sparks were seen coming from a bathroom ceiling vent.
Firefighters acted quickly to contain the situation, and damage to the home was minimal.
Two Bellefontaine firefighters were seen working from the roof to help bring the fire under control.
While the incident remains under investigation, the water heater is believed to be the likely source of the fire.
This was the second fire Bellefontaine crews responded to on Memorial Day.
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Bellefontaine fire crews responded to their second home fire within the city, Monday afternoon.
The latest blaze was reported shortly before 4:00 p.m. at a residence on Blair Avenue.
The Tri-Valley Fire Department provided mutual aid, assisting Bellefontaine crews in bringing the blaze under control.
Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have originated near a water heater, though the investigation is ongoing.
No injuries have been reported.
Check back for more details as this story develops
