Polk Township Garage Fire Results in Total Loss; No Injuries Reported
WEST SALEM, Ohio — January 19, 2026 — Polk Township Fire Department and EMS, along with the Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a reported structure fire this afternoon at 1:37 p.m. at 71 County Road 620 in West Salem.
Upon arrival, crews found a two-and-a-half-car detached garage fully involved. Due to the intensity of the fire and sub-zero weather conditions accompanied by high winds, mutual aid was requested from Town and Country Fire Department and Sullivan Fire Department.
Firefighters worked under difficult conditions to contain the blaze, despite their efforts, the detached garage was declared a total loss.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
The cause of the fire has not yet been released. The Ashland County Sheriff’s Office assisted on scene with traffic control while fire crews completed suppression and overhaul operations.
