Smoke Alarm Alert Prevents Tragedy in Late-Night Granville Township Fire

Photo by Junction Fire Company #15Junction Fire Company #15 crews after a late-night response on Helen St, Granville Twp, where a smoke alarm alerted the homeowner and prevented a much worse outcome.

Photo by Junction Fire Company #15Apparatus from Junction Fire Company #15 and mutual aid lined up on Helen St as crews worked a structure fire just after 23:20.

Photo by Junction Fire Company #15Fire damage discovered beneath the wood-stove area, where fire burned through floorboards and produced heavy smoke in Division 1.

Photo by Junction Fire Company #15Ladder and engine companies operated on scene for approximately two hours to locate, open up, and fully extinguish the fire.

Photo by Junction Fire Company #15After-action operations back at the station following the call, with 17 members responding.
November 30, 2025 — A working smoke alarm is being credited with preventing a potentially tragic outcome during a late-night structure fire on Helen Street in Granville Township, according to the Junction Fire Company #15.
At approximately 11:20 p.m., Chief 15 received a call from a neighbor reporting smoke inside a residence. While notifying MCOPS, Chief 15 simultaneously arrived on scene and confirmed heavy smoke in Division 1 of the structure. Firefighters quickly located the fire beneath the wood stove area in the floorboards, stopping further spread.
Crews operated on scene for approximately two hours, with a total manpower of 17 firefighters working to extinguish the fire and ensure the structure was safe. The homeowner had been sleeping when the smoke alarm activated, waking him and allowing him to escape safely before conditions worsened.
Fire officials emphasized that without the smoke detector, the outcome could have been far more serious. The department urged residents to regularly check smoke alarms, replace batteries, test units, and ensure the proper number of alarms are installed throughout the home. Anyone needing assistance with smoke alarm installation or inspection is encouraged to contact their local fire department.