Two lives were lost in a structure fire on South High Street in Martinsville on Tuesday. The fire is currently under investigation by the State Fire Marshal.
John Hamilton | News Journal
MARTINSVILLE — The State Fire Marshall is currently investigating a fatal fire that occurred Tuesday morning on South High Street in Martinsville.
Fox19 in Cincinnati identified 79-year-old Linda Bartlett and her 11-year-old great-grandson Kevin Jenkins Jr. as the victims of the fatal residential fire. Fox19 reported a pet dog named “Cayenne Pepper” died due to the fire as well.
Kristy Creel, coordinator of communications for Xenia City Schools, the district where Jenkins Jr. attended school, confirmed that Jenkins was Bartlett’s great-grandson. Creel advised he was a sixth grade student at Warner Middle School.
“We continue to have additional staff available for students in need of support throughout the day,” Creel said regarding special counseling for students.
She was not aware of any specific fundraisers or groups helping Jenkins and Bartlett’s families.
Andy Ellinger, senior public information officer for the Ohio Department of Commerce, confirmed with the News Journal that an investigation was ongoing. The case was being looked at by the State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau.
“We don’t have any additional details or cause determination to share at this time,” said Ellinger.
Ellinger and the Clinton County Coroner’s Officer did not immediately return the News Journal’s requests for updates.
Additional details are to be provided.
Reach John Hamilton at 937-382-2574
