Burned trees lie on the ground as a result of a fire that burned above and below ground on 12 acres of land on Malone Road in Salineville. (Photo by Kristi R. Garabrandt)

SALINEVILLE – A brush fire that started at 20410 Malone Road in the early hours of Wednesday morning took 64 firefighters from nine fire stations 13 hours to bring under control.

The fire burned 12 acres of land and injured three firefighters, two of whom were taken from the scene by ambulance. The firefighters suffered minor injuries. The two transported to the hospital were treated and released, and the third injured firefighter was treated at the scene.

According to Fire Chief Jeremiah Cole, Highlandtown Volunteer Fire Department, the terrain where the fire occurred was very rugged terrain, which left firefighters battling the fire on hills, in ravines and valleys, and among downed trees.

Two of the injured firefighters were injured when a nearby utility vehicle they were in overturned due to the terrain, and the third firefighter was injured when he was struck by a falling tree.

“It was tough. I’ve been to a lot of brush fires over the last 30 years, but that one was tough, it was tough to get out of.” Cole said. “The problem we ran into was peat.”

Cole said the fire ended up burning underground, and once they put it out in one spot, it immediately reignited about ten feet away. Firefighters raked nearly all 12 acres of land because it was burning underground and could not be seen.

Departments received the call for the fire at 5:39. The fire was under control at 18:40.

Responding departments included the Highlandtown, Salineville, Franklin Township, Wellsville, West Point, Glenmoor, Irondale and Liverpool Township volunteer fire departments. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Forestry was also on scene with a bulldozer and all-terrain vehicles.

Thursday morning around 8 or 9 a.m., the Salineville Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene for multiple breakouts.

While the cause of the fire is still undetermined and under investigation, Cole said following a conversation Thursday with ODNR, arson is the suspected cause. Pending the outcome of the investigation, ODNR could investigate potential claims against the property owner. Cole also noted that the cause of the fire may never be determined.

Cole reminded residents that there is still a statewide burn ban in effect, which prohibits the burning of anything between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.; and after 6 p.m., garbage burning takes place, only natural material. Campfires may be no larger than 3 feet by 3 feet and may be supervised at all times.

Cole noted that he looked at the firefighters after 13 hours of fighting the fire and they were all exhausted, dirty and worn, and he was worried about them. But even though they were all tired and sore and some hurt, they all went back to work on Thursday at their full-time jobs. He also encouraged everyone to observe the burn ban and use common sense.

Cole said the fire department appreciates all the residents who brought them refreshments and drinks, including the shuttle that brought them lunch.