Stark County, Ohio – The Stark County Sheriff’s Office is currently engaged in investigating a gas line rupture and subsequent fire that occurred in Pike Township.
On Wednesday, February 14, around 10:47 a.m., the Stark County Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls reporting a potential explosion and fire in Pike Township. Deputies promptly responded to the 9100 block of Briggle Avenue Southwest to address the alarming reports.
Collaborating closely with the East Sparta Volunteer Fire Department, deputies provided vital assistance at the scene. As a precautionary measure, Briggle Avenue Southwest was temporarily closed between Downing Street and Ullet Street Southwest, but it was reopened to traffic shortly after 12:00 p.m.
Sheriff George T. Maier of Stark County expressed his appreciation for the unified efforts of the community, stating, “This is a great testament to how we as a community come together to ensure the safety of Stark County. I am proud of the swift response and teamwork displayed by our deputies, the East Sparta Volunteer Fire Department, Marathon Petroleum, and others involved. It’s through collaboration like this that we can continue to keep Stark County safe.”
As of now, there have been no reported injuries from the incident. Marathon Petroleum has dispatched personnel to the scene to cooperate with authorities as part of the ongoing investigation. Detailed information regarding the incident is still pending.
The cause of the gas line rupture and subsequent fire remains under investigation by the Stark County Sheriff’s Office. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.