1/3/10 Arson suspected in pub fire

  • By Nick Sabo and Dave Mast
  • January 3, 2011
  • 312
                        
By Nick Sabo and Dave Mast FREDERICKSBURG—A Sunday night fire at a County Road 192 business may have been set by thieves attempting to cover up a burglary. Holmes County Sheriff Tim Zimmerly said the fire, at the Horse and Harness Pub, 9260 County Road 192, is being investigated as arson after evidence at the scene indicated the fire may have been set deliberately. “There was some change and bills found at the back steps where it looks like they ran off,” Zimmerly said. “Fire marshals are out there investigating.” The fire was reported at approximately 9:30 p.m., Fredericksburg Fire Chief Ian Weaver said. Upon arrival, flames were showing on the north corner of the building and both an interior and exterior attack were applied in fighting the blaze, Weaver said. The fire appeared suspicious right away to Horse and Harness owner Howard Alexander. He and wife Linda have operated the business for the last 25 years and live next door to the pub. Prior to the fire, Howard said a car was parked in front of the pub with its lights off. The Horse and Harness is closed Sundays. "That's awfully suspicious," said Alexander. "We've had too many fires here not to be. About 15 years ago we had a fire that burned the roof off. Plus, we had another smaller fire several years ago. Now this. We'd like to rebuild, but we will have to wait until the insurance is settled to see where we are at. We're hopeful to get back on our feet, but we're not exactly youngsters any more, so we aren't sure exactly what we will be doing at this point." Weaver declined to discuss a possible origin point of the fire, citing the ongoing investigation by the Ohio Fire Marshal’s office. Mutual aid was provided by Holmesville fire, Fire District One, Berlin, Apple Creek, Wayne Township and Shreve, Weaver said.


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