Early Morning House Fire Displaces Young Family Just Days Before Christmas
ASHLAND — An early morning house fire has left a young Ashland family displaced just three days before Christmas, but amid the loss, there was a powerful blessing: everyone made it out safely.
According to Ashland Fire Department Captain Mark Miller, crews were dispatched around 1 a.m. to a structure fire at 623 Hillcrest Drive. Firefighters arrived to find the home engulfed in flames.
The Ashland Police Division, Hayesville Fire Department, and Jeromesville Fire Department all responded to assist at the scene. The American Red Cross was also called in to help the displaced family with immediate needs.
Captain Miller said the intensity of the fire was such that heat damage extended beyond the home, melting a nearby fence and causing damage to the siding of a neighboring structures.
Inside the home was a young family with three small children — a 5-year-old boy and 2-year-old twins, a boy and a girl. Captain Miller emphasized how fortunate the outcome was given the circumstances.
“It’s a blessing that no one was injured,” Miller said. “Everyone made it out of the house.”
That blessing extended to the family’s dog, who also escaped the fire safely.
While no injuries were reported, the family lost nearly everything in the blaze. With Christmas just days away, Captain Miller noted that the family now has very little left.
Fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire.
While there were no injuries, the loss was devastating. Family member Ashley Oxender shared that her sister and brother-in-law lost everything they owned, including both of their vehicles and all belongings inside the home.
“They have what’s on their backs,” Oxender said. “Three days before Christmas. They lost all of the kids’ Christmas presents as well.”
Oxender said the family’s three children are now in urgent need of basic necessities:
5-year-old boy:
Clothing size 6/7
Shoe size 13
Twin boy and twin girl (2 years old):
Clothing size 3T/4T
Shoe size 8–9
Sippy cups
Two high chairs, if available
Adult needs:
Men: Large shirts, pants sizes 32–34, shoe size 10
Women: Pants 16/18, shirts 2XL, sports bras 2XL
All family members are in need of socks, underwear, clothing, shoes, and everyday essentials.
Oxender said the American Red Cross has already been in contact with the family to provide assistance. She also shared an uplifting update from the community response.
The Ashland Fire Department has stepped in to take care of the children’s Christmas presents, a gesture that has brought comfort during an incredibly difficult time.
Donations can be dropped off at 1490 State Route 60 in Ashland, or arrangements can be made to meet donors within Ashland to collect items.
“Thank you for all the prayers, thoughts, and donations,” Oxender said. “It truly means everything.”
As the investigation into the cause of the fire continues, the Ashland community is once again showing that in moments of loss, compassion and generosity shine the brightest.
