Van Wert County CERT Assisting Willshire Fire Victim After Sunday Morning House Fire

The Van Wert County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is helping collect donations for a Willshire resident who lost his home in a fire Sunday morning.

Firefighters from Willshire, Ohio City, and Rockford responded to the blaze on Green Street in Willshire shortly after 7:30 a.m. Sunday, November 2. Officials say the resident woke up to smoke inside the home and was able to escape safely, though a dog sadly died in the fire. Crews had the blaze under control within an hour, but the home sustained heavy damage.

Van Wert County CERT assisted at the scene with traffic control and provided firefighters with water and coffee. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, according to Willshire Fire Chief Jeff Henderson.

CERT is now organizing support for the resident. Donations of clothing and monetary contributions are being accepted.

Clothing sizes needed:

• Adult male: Pants 38/32

• Shirts: 2XL

• Footwear: Size 11

• Coats: 2XL

Please include Case No. 1478 with all donations to ensure they reach the correct recipient.

Clothing donations can be dropped off at Trinity Global Methodist Church, 220 S. Walnut St., Van Wert, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, through Sunday, November 9.

Monetary donations can be delivered or mailed to the Van Wert County Foundation/CERT, 138 E. Main St., Van Wert. Donors can also give online at vanwertcountyfoundation.org