Family Escapes Wren House Fire; CERT Collecting Donations for Victims

WREN, Ohio — A family safely escaped a house fire early Saturday morning along Ohio 49 in the village of Wren.

The Wren Fire Department was dispatched just after midnight. When crews arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames. Mutual aid was requested from the Willshire Fire Department, Convoy Fire & EMS, Ohio City Volunteer Fire and EMS, as well as fire departments from Decatur and Preble counties in Adams County, Indiana.

Wren Fire Chief Chris High said all residents were able to get out of the home safely and no injuries were reported. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours, with the last units clearing at approximately 5:30 a.m. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Following the January 3 fire, the Van Wert County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) was dispatched to assist and is now working to support the affected family. CERT reports the family is in need of clothing and monetary donations.

Donations should reference Case #157488 to ensure items are distributed to the correct family.

Clothing Needs:

• Adult Female: Pants XXL, Shirts XXL, Shoes 9, Coats 2XL

• Adult Male: Pants 44x30, Shirts XXL, Shoes 11, Coats 2XL

• Minor Female: Pants 10–12, Shirts 10–12, Shoes 5, Coats 10–12

• Minor Male: Pants 4T, Shirts 4T, Shoes 8T, Coats 4T

Drop-off Locations:

Clothing Items:
Trinity Global Methodist Church
220 South Walnut Street
Van Wert, OH 45891
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Larger Appliances and Furniture:
Trinity Friends Church
605 North Franklin Street
Van Wert, OH 45891
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Some appliances may not be needed. Due to limited storage space, donors may be asked to retrieve items if they cannot be accepted.

Donations will be accepted through January 10, 2026.

Monetary donations may be dropped off or mailed to the Van Wert County Foundation/CERT at 138 East Main Street in Van Wert. Donations can also be made online at vanwertcountyfoundation.org by clicking “Donate,” selecting the Van Wert EMA/CERT Fund, and including Case #157488 in the donation note.

For questions, contact the Van Wert County EMA office at 419-238-1300.

CERT is a United Way agency.