Crime & Safety
Ashville, OH Police Rush Into Burning Home, Rescue Sleeping Woman
ASHVILLE, OH — A woman sleeping inside her home was rescued by two police officers after a fire broke out Wednesday night in Ashville, a Pickaway County community south of Columbus. Authorities say th
By Cole Barrett · 2026-10-15T22:44:25.061Z
ASHVILLE, OH — A woman sleeping inside her home was rescued by two police officers after a fire broke out Wednesday night in Ashville, a Pickaway County community south of Columbus. Authorities say the officers entered the burning residence and brought the woman to safety before the situation could turn tragic.
According to the Ashville Police Department , officers James Ford and Seamus “Mac” McSweeney were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 179 Jefferson Avenue at approximately 11:46 p.m. Wednesday, October 14.
When the officers arrived, they entered the burning home to search for anyone who might still be inside.
During the search, Ford discovered a female resident asleep in her bed, apparently unaware of the danger surrounding her.
Ford safely escorted the woman out of the residence, preventing what police officials said could have been a tragic outcome.
In a press release issued Thursday, October 15, Ashville Police Chief Bryan Cline praised both officers for their quick thinking, courage and dedication to protecting residents.
“The quick actions and bravery demonstrated by both officers may have prevented this incident from ending in tragedy,” the department stated.
The Harrison Township Fire Department also responded to the emergency and worked to extinguish the flames.
Police credited firefighters for their prompt response and efforts to minimize property damage.
Officials did not provide information about what caused the fire, how much damage occurred or whether the resident required medical attention.
The department described the rescue as an example of cooperation between local police and firefighters during a potentially life threatening emergency.
Ashville is located in Pickaway County, approximately 20 miles south of Columbus.
The incident ended with the resident safely removed from the burning home, thanks to the responding officers and firefighters.