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Cincinnati Blaze Turns Kellywood Home to Ashes: Investigation Underway

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/2 .. lywood-home-to-ashes-investigation-underway.html
  Published in House and Home on Saturday, November 29th 2025 at 7:26 GMT by Local 12 WKRC Cincinnati

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A Tragic Blaze Claims a Home in Cincinnati’s Price Hill Neighborhood: Investigation Underway

A house on Kellywood Avenue West in Cincinnati’s Price Hill district was declared a total loss after a devastating fire broke out on Sunday evening. The blaze, which engulfed the three‑story home in a matter of minutes, prompted a rapid emergency response from the Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD) and a swift investigation by the local police. Residents and officials are grappling with the loss, while investigators race to uncover the cause of the fire, a process that will likely involve fire‑scene reconstruction, electrical inspections, and possible criminal inquiry.

The Incident

At approximately 8:45 p.m. on Sunday, the CFD was dispatched to 1150 Kellywood Avenue West after a 911 call reporting smoke and flames coming from a residential structure. Responders arrived to find the front façade ablaze, with thick black smoke billowing into the night sky. The house, a single‑family dwelling with a wood‑frame structure, had a roof of shingles and an older electrical system that had never been upgraded in decades.

The firefighters, equipped with high‑pressure hoses and a ladder truck, immediately established a water supply line and began to fight the fire from multiple angles. Their efforts were met with resistance from the intense heat and the thick, dry brush that had accumulated on the property’s exterior. Despite the team’s tenacious work, the house collapsed partially during the effort, and by the time the fire was fully extinguished, the structure was deemed beyond repair.

“From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was a fully developed fire,” said CFD Captain Lisa Reynolds, who led the squad. “We had to act fast, but the building’s condition and the surrounding vegetation made it a very challenging job. Unfortunately, it was declared a total loss.”

The homeowner, whose identity has not yet been released, was not present at the time of the call. He was reported missing but later confirmed to be safe, according to a statement from his sister who called the police.

Immediate Aftermath and Community Response

Following the fire, the city’s Emergency Management Agency (EMA) mobilized its rapid response teams to provide support to the affected homeowner and any other displaced residents in the area. The EMA’s rapid response team, which includes housing counselors, social workers, and financial aid specialists, is working to locate temporary housing options and assess the homeowner’s immediate needs.

Price Hill residents expressed shock and sympathy across social media platforms and through local neighborhood groups. “It’s heartbreaking to see another fire in our community,” tweeted a local activist. “We need to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

The local church on the block hosted an emergency meeting the next day, where community leaders discussed ways to assist the homeowner and prevent future incidents. A donation drive was organized to raise funds for a new temporary shelter, and a volunteer group has pledged to help clean up the debris left behind.

Investigation and Potential Causes

The Cincinnati Police Department (CPD) has taken over the investigation of the fire. While initial evidence points toward an accidental ignition—possibly due to a faulty appliance or an electrical short—CPD is leaving the door open for other possibilities, including arson.

Lead Officer Mark DeLoach explained that the department will conduct a thorough scene investigation, including:

• Fire‑scene reconstruction to determine how the flames spread and which areas of the house were most vulnerable.
• Electrical system inspection by a certified electrician to identify any faults in wiring, outlets, or breakers that might have contributed to the fire.
• Collection of physical evidence such as hair, fibers, or accelerants that could indicate intentional ignition.

CPD’s investigation is ongoing and is being conducted in partnership with the Fire Investigation Unit of the Cincinnati Fire Department. The unit will analyze soot patterns, burn patterns, and other forensic indicators to ascertain the origin point and cause.

“Every fire is a mystery until the evidence tells the story,” Officer DeLoach said. “We’re taking a methodical approach and working closely with the fire department to get to the bottom of this.”

In a statement released by the CPD, the department emphasized that the investigation will remain confidential until sufficient evidence is gathered. They also requested that residents avoid tampering with any evidence on the property and that anyone who witnessed the incident or has information come forward.

Insurance and Legal Matters

Once the investigation reaches a preliminary conclusion, the homeowner’s insurance company is expected to conduct its own assessment. The homeowner’s insurer has already classified the property as a total loss, a designation that indicates the cost of repairs would exceed the building’s insured value.

An insurance adjuster will review the policy, evaluate the damage, and determine the payout amount. In addition, the homeowner will likely need to provide documentation related to the incident—such as police reports, fire‑department reports, and repair estimates—to facilitate the claims process.

If the investigation uncovers evidence of negligence, the homeowner may have legal recourse against responsible parties, such as contractors who performed recent electrical work. Conversely, if the fire is determined to be arson, the homeowner could seek damages from the perpetrator if identified.

Community Safety Initiatives

In the wake of the incident, Price Hill has already been mobilized to review building safety standards and fire prevention protocols. The city council has called for a meeting with the city’s Building Inspection Department to discuss potential updates to electrical code compliance requirements.

Furthermore, the community has organized a free “Fire Safety 101” workshop in partnership with the Fire Department, aimed at educating residents on fire risks, proper electrical maintenance, and emergency preparedness. The event will cover topics such as smoke detector installation, safe use of space heaters, and the importance of having a functional fire escape plan.

“We’re proud of our community’s resilience,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “We want to turn this tragedy into an opportunity to strengthen our neighborhood and ensure that every home in Price Hill has the safest possible environment.”

Conclusion

The fire on Kellywood Avenue West has left a profound scar on the Price Hill community. While the physical structure is gone, the investigation into its cause remains a critical priority for local officials, residents, and the homeowner’s insurance team. As the police and fire investigators dig deeper into the origins of the blaze, the community is rallying to support those affected and to reinforce safety protocols to prevent future tragedies. The rapid response teams, emergency management resources, and city council’s proactive measures all underscore the collective commitment to safeguarding Price Hill’s homes and residents.