House fire

There’s not much left of this home at 9121 Liberty-Union Road as brisk winds fanned flames that quickly destroyed the residence Wednesday afternoon. An outbuilding and a vehicle were also heavily damaged by the fire, which started around 3 p.m. Wednesday. The property, owned by George Adams and rented by Kara Priest, was considered a total loss. Convoy Fire Chief Don Wilson said no one was home at the time of the fire, which apparently started in the southwest portion of the house. Sparks from the fire then set the outbuilding and Priest’s pickup truck ablaze. Chief Wilson said pesticides, fertilizer and other equipment used to operate the adjacent orchard were also destroyed. Convoy Fire Department initially responded to the call and then requested tanker and manpower support from Van Wert, Scott and Ohio City fire departments. Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department deputies provided traffic control at the scene. Chief Wilson said the fire was not suspicious in nature (click here for more photos). (Dave Mosier/Van Wert independent)