Bluffton fire department responded to reported house fire at 8:13 p.m. on Nov. 18, in the 100 block of West Riley Street. 

According to Rick Skillier, Bluffton police chief, "Fire crews arrived six minutes later to find fire in the front bedroom of the single family dwelling. Fire crews were able to contain the fire to the room of origin. The fire was extinguished within minutes of the fire department arrival on scene."

According to Skilliter, the home was occupied by four people at the time of the fire. Gage Waxler, 19, was asleep in the bedroom where the fire started. Waxler alerted the other occupants and tried to extinguish the fire, but quickly was overcome by heat and smoke. 

Waxler was transported by Bluffton EMS to Lima Memorial Hospital with burns to his lower extremities, neck, and chest. He was later flown by medical helicopter to the Ohio State Medical Center for severe burns.

An investigator from the State Fire Marshall’s office assisted Bluffton officials with determining the cause of the fire. The fire has been ruled accidental, and was caused by a burning candle placed too closely to flammable materials in the bedroom.

Skilliter told The Icon that while the fire was contained to the bedroom, there was smoke, heat and water damage throughout the home.The extreme cold temperatures compounded the fire’s impact as the electricity was turned off at the home as a result of the fire.

The home is owned by Tracy Miles, but is a rental property occupied by Tom and Jill Spoors. Waxler is the son of Jill Spoors. Skilliter said that there is homeowners, but no rental insurance for the property. Damage was estimated at $15,000-$20,000.

The Allen County Chapter of the American Red Cross was called to the scene to assist the family with immediate needs.

The Bluffton fire department was assisted at the scene by the Bluffton police department, Beaverdam Fire and Rescue, Allen County EMA, Western Ohio Crime Taskforce, and the Ohio State Fire Marshall’s Office.