State fire officials have completed the investigation into a late November barn fire at the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton that claimed the lives of 10 animals.
The fire was reported at 6:16 p.m. on Thursday, November 28th. In a release on Wednesday, the Division of State Fire Marshal's Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau said the fire originated in the southwest portion of the barn, which was being occupied by three giraffes, three red river hogs, three bongos and a springbok.
(The scene of the Nov. 28 barn fire at the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, OH, Ottawa County)
Despite the determination of origin, investigators say the cause of the fire has been ruled undetermined due to the extensive damage to the structure, but they add there is no indication of any associated criminal activity. Additionally, investigators could not determine if a reported power outage the day prior had any involvement with causing the fire.
"The post-fire condition of the building prevented the ability to determine an exact cause of the fire," said investigator Frank Reitmeier. " During the fire, the vast majority of the building collapsed, so heavy equipment was needed during the fire suppression and to locate the remains of the animals that perished."