Geauga County House Explosion Raises Questions About Home Safety and Propane Systems

A Geauga County family is recovering from severe injuries after a house explosion and fire in Montville Township destroyed their home Friday afternoon and left two people badly burned, according to fire officials.

Crews were called to the area of Hart Road in Montville Township around 2:40 p.m. for reports of a structure fire and possible explosion. When firefighters arrived, flames were pouring from the home and a section of the exterior wall had been blown away. Multiple departments from three counties were called in to help shuttle water to the scene due to a lack of nearby hydrants, officials said.
Reports from local agencies indicate a Hambden Township firefighter who lived in the home was working on the furnace when something ignited, causing an explosion. He suffered severe burns to his arms and legs and was first taken to a local hospital before being flown by medical helicopter to MetroHealth in Cleveland for specialized treatment. One of his daughters also suffered burns to her hands, legs and hair and was transported to MetroHealth by ambulance. A second daughter was not physically injured and remained at the scene with family.

Fire officials said the home relied on propane, and early indications suggest the blast may have been sparked by a propane-related issue in the basement. The house was declared a total loss. Two family dogs were inside at the time of the fire; one was found dead and the other remained unaccounted for as of the latest updates from the scene.

Investigators from the Geauga County Fire Investigation Unit and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are working to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

Beyond the immediate tragedy for one family, the incident underscores the risks that come with older or rural homes in Northeast Ohio that rely on propane and may not be connected to municipal gas lines or hydrant systems.

Fire chiefs at the scene emphasized how devastating the blast was and how quickly the fire consumed the house. They also noted the emotional impact when a firefighter becomes the victim instead of the responder, and said departments and community groups are rallying to support the family as they face a long medical recovery and the loss of nearly all of their belongings. A Northeast Ohio nonprofit that supports first responders has already pledged significant financial help for the family.

Community Support for the Firefighter’s Family

A regional nonprofit that supports first responders has launched a major effort to help the family rebuild. Blue Line Unlimited has committed $100,000 to the Hambden firefighter and his family from its Bronco raffle fundraiser.

According to the organization’s campaign materials, every ticket purchased in the Bronco raffle will directly benefit the family, helping with medical bills, housing costs and replacing what was lost in the explosion. The fundraiser offers participants a chance to win a new Bronco or a $30,000 cash prize, with a portion of all raffle proceeds earmarked for the family.

Residents who wish to support the family are encouraged to visit Blue Line Unlimited’s website and look for the Bronco raffle information.

What Northeast Ohio Homeowners Can Learn

While investigators are still working on an official cause, safety experts generally recommend the following for homes that use propane or other fuel-burning systems:

• Have furnaces and fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected at least once a year.
• Install and regularly test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home.
• Know the signs of a propane leak, such as a rotten egg or sulfur-like odor, hissing sounds near lines or appliances, or dead vegetation near buried lines.
• If you suspect a leak or smell gas, get out immediately and call 911 from a safe distance. Do not flip switches, use phones inside the house or try to find the source yourself.
• Plan for water access in rural areas. Without nearby hydrants, firefighters often depend on tanker shuttles, which can slow water delivery in a fast-moving fire.

For many Geauga, Lake, Portage and Summit County residents who live on well and septic with propane, this explosion is a reminder that heating and fuel systems deserve the same attention as any other major system in the home.