Cause of Perry Glass fire remains undetermined by investigators

WAVERLY, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire & Explosion Investigations Bureau continues to investigate the fire that occurred in the apartments above Perry Glass, located at 213 Market St. in Waverly. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined; however, investigators do not suspect foul play as a factor. In addition, accidental causes cannot be ruled out.

The blaze, which originated at approximately 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 21 in the residential units above Perry Glass, a local business, prompted a swift response from multiple fire departments and law enforcement agencies. The fire resulted in multiple injuries and extended to the nearby Garnet A. Wilson Public Library, causing damage to the facility.

In response to the incident, the State Fire Marshal’s office deployed investigators to the scene to conduct a comprehensive investigation with support from fire departments from Waverly, Piketon, Pebble Township, and Huntington Township. Assistance also was provided by the Waverly Police Department, Pike County Sheriff’s Office, and Pickaway County Box 65.

The collaboration between neighboring fire departments and law enforcement agencies was instrumental in managing the situation, limiting its impact, and conducting the subsequent investigation.

Media with requests for updates on the State Fire Marshal’s investigation into this fire should contact Public Information Officer Andy Ellinger at Andy.Ellinger@com.ohio.gov.