SOMERS TOWNSHIP, Preble County — A fire department is asking for the public’s help after several fires at a campground in Preble County have been deemed arson.
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Since Sept. 13, 2024, there have been six total fires at the Deer Run Luxury Campground in Somers Township, according to Camden Somers Township Fire and EMS Department Chief Joshua Forrer.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office has confirmed that four fires were caused by arson and two remain under investigation.
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Forrer said the four arson fires all occurred on Sept. 13.
The first fires occurred at approximately 5:44 p.m. on Buck Rub Cove. When firefighters arrived, they saw two campers next to each other on fire.
Later that night, at approximately 9:01 p.m., firefighters were called back out to the campground on Antler Cove. Crews found another two side-by-side campers on fire.
As previously reported by News Center 7, another camper fire occurred in the area of Tim Drive on Dec. 22. This fire is still under investigation.
The most recent fire occurred on Deer Run Drive on Jan. 18. According to Forrer, crews had trouble getting to this fire as the campground roads weren’t plowed due to the off-season.
Forrer said at least two fires happened when the park was supposed to be closed for off-season, despite families living there all year long.
“These incidents have posed a significant challenge to our community’s safety and resources,” Forrer said.
Forrer added that these fires have required extensive resources and an increased demand for emergency personnel, equipment and response efforts.
“These events divert critical resources from other emergencies, putting the entire community at risk,” he said.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is currently conducting a “thorough investigation” into the remaining fires.
“We need your cooperation to bring an end to these acts of arson. Each incident has significant financial, emotional, and physical impacts on our community, as well as taxpayers’ resources. Solving these cases is vital for the safety of everyone,” Forrer said.
Anyone with information about these fires is asked to contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office or the Camden Somers Township Fire and EMS Department.
“Even the smallest detail could be crucial in solving this case and preventing future incidents,” Forrere said.
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