Structure Fire on Miller Street Highlights Ongoing Water Pressure Issues in Mansfield
MANSFIELD, Ohio — What was initially reported as a large trash fire quickly escalated into a structure fire Thursday morning at 277 Miller Street.
Mansfield Fire Department crews arrived to find the structure a 3 bay garage and immediately requested assistance from Madison Township Fire Department after seeing the nearest hydrant was out of service. Madison responded with a tanker unit to help shuttle water.
To secure a water supply, Mansfield firefighters were forced to run a supply line down Miller Street, around the corner, and along Sixth Street to the next available hydrant located in front of R.G. Smith Company. A total of 1200 ft or the equivalent of 4 football fields in length. Meanwhile, Madison Township tankers refilled from hydrants at a separate location.
According to radio traffic, the tankers were able to fill, but the process was slow due to low water pressure.
Fire officials have repeatedly cited Mansfield’s ongoing low water pressure issues as a serious concern.
The lack of adequate water flow not only increases risks to firefighters but also delays suppression efforts, often resulting in greater property loss during fires.
The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage remain under investigation.
