Dover, OH – Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers was declared a total loss after an early morning blaze on Thursday, March 12, 2020.

Passersby called the Tuscarawas County 911 Emergency Dispatch Center shortly after 4:30 A.M. reporting flames shooting from the roof of the restaurant. At 4:35 A.M., dispatchers toned out Dover firefighters from their North Station 2 and Main Station, New Philadelphia, and Bolivar.

Dover Captain Brooks Ross was first on scene with Utility 208 and E-201 and reported to incoming units that flames were showing. Dover firefighters found flames in the attic space and a partial collapse in the rear kitchen/stock areas. Being that the restaurant was unoccupied with tremendous flame growth, Captain Ross immediately went on the defensive.

The next unit on scene was Dover L-209, which set up it’s 100’ ladder on the 'A' side, in the front lot, and joined E-201’s 50’ Snozzle which was positioned on the structure’s 'D' side in an aerial attack to knock down the flames, which could be seen by motorists on nearby I-77. Water was supplied via 6” LDH supply lines from nearby hydrants which forced Dover police officers to shut down busy North Wooster Avenue to traffic.

Soon after, New Philadelphia E-2101 and T-2109 arrived on scene followed by Bolivar Fire Department’s Chief 1 and E-103 which provided manpower and relief crews. The combined crews worked throughout the early morning to knock down the flames, which were fueled by petroleum-based urethane building panels that created a tremendous fire load. Melting panels cooled by the master streams created shields that allowed flames to burn in the voids.

Dover firefighters declared the fire under control around 9:00 A.M. and units were released soon after. Fire investigators continue to work to determine the cause of the blaze. The structure and contents were declared a total loss.