Big Walnut Joint Fire District

09/05/2026

Here is the live traffic camera at I-71 and SR 61 so you can check traffic.

Only ODOT monitored roadways are available through the personalized alerts system. OHGO will notify you when there is a traffic issue on any of the green, highlighted routes shown on the map below.

09/04/2026

The Mount Gilead Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash that occurred on Sept. 3, 2026, at approximately 7 a.m., in Harmony Township, Morrow County. More details in comments.

09/04/2026

If you live in Bennington, Harmony or Chester Townships and are interested in serving your community, stop by and see us. www.bwjfd.org

Ohio is facing a shortage of volunteer firefighters, which could lead to fewer trained personnel responding to emergencies, particularly in the state’s rural communities. https://nbc4i.co/4gvIZLI?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_NBC4

09/04/2026

08/31/2026

A quick heads-up for our neighbors:

The Secret Dreams Festival will be taking place at the Cardinal Center Campground in Marengo on September 4-6, and we expect to see some increased traffic in the area as festival goers arrive and depart.

If you live or travel near the St. Rt. 61/I-71 interchange, please give yourself a little extra time and use some patience on the roads. There may be more vehicles than usual, including campers, RVs, rideshare vehicles, and visitors who may not be familiar with our local roads.

We’re happy to welcome visitors to our community and want everyone, both residents and festival attendees, to have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Please slow down, watch for pedestrians, and always yield to emergency vehicles.

Thanks, as always, for looking out for one another and helping keep our community safe.

08/08/2026

HOUSE FIRE – CHESTERVILLE

At approximately 2:34 p.m. yesterday, August 7, 2026, the Big Walnut Joint Fire District was dispatched along with automatic and mutual aid companies for a reported structure fire on West Sandusky Street in Chesterville.

While units were responding, Morrow County 911 received multiple reports of smoke coming from a two-story residence, followed by reports of visible fire in the attached garage.

The initial 911 call was received at 2:34:08 p.m. The first fire engine arrived on scene at 2:46:25 p.m., approximately 12 minutes and 17 seconds after the initial call.

The first arriving fire units encountered a working structure fire with smoke showing from the residence and garage. Crews quickly established command, confirmed that the occupants were not inside the home, deployed attack lines, and began interior fire suppression operations. Firefighters operated throughout the residence, including the second floor and basement, while additional crews provided water supply, ventilation, and other support functions.

Water was placed on the fire shortly after crews arrived, and the incident was brought under control. Firefighters remained on scene conducting overhaul, checking for hidden fire, and assisting with scene safety until the electric utility arrived. Command was terminated at approximately 4:20 p.m.

No injuries were reported.

Big Walnut Joint Fire District would like to thank the Mount Gilead Fire Department Fredericktown Community Fire District , Morrow County EMS , Morrow County Sheriffs Office, Mt. Gilead Ohio, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Ohio Edison for their assistance with today’s incident.

Incidents such as this demonstrate the importance of strong automatic and mutual aid partnerships. A structure fire requires a significant number of personnel and resources, and the coordinated response of our neighboring agencies allowed crews to rapidly deploy the personnel, apparatus, and water supply necessary to safely control the fire.

We appreciate all of the firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, law enforcement officers, and utility personnel who assisted today.

08/03/2026

Cardiac arrest survivor thanks local 1st responders, August 3, 2026

Today BWJFD was invited to a special lunch at the 911 center. A month ago, BWJFD and Morrow County EMS were dispatched by Morrow County Sheriffs Office, Mt. Gilead Ohio to Harmony Township on a report of an unresponsive male. 911 gave CPR instructions to the man's wife prior to arrival of 1st responders. BWJFD Chief 301 arrived first and found a man lying pulseless inside a house. Chief 301 immediately took over CPR and continued until EMS and fire arrived on scene. MCEMS and BWJFD followed advanced cardiac life support procedures and fought to save the man's life. A heartbeat was restored on scene and he was transported to area hospitals where he has made a full recovery. Today we were invited by his family to meet for a home cooked lunch and they thanked EMS, fire and 911 staff for their combined efforts. BWJFD is happy to partner with local EMS and 911 to protect our residents.

08/01/2026

*Press Release*

At approximately 3:35 p.m. this afternoon, multiple crews from the Cardington Fire Department, along with surrounding mutual aid agencies, responded to a barn fire in the 4200 block of Township Road 134.

No civilian injuries were reported, and it is our understanding that all animals were safely evacuated from the structure without injury. One firefighter was transported to the hospital for evaluation and remains hospitalized at this time.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No additional information is available at this time, and all emergency crews have cleared the scene.

The Cardington Fire Department would like to thank the members of our community for their overwhelming support during the incident. Your generosity in providing refreshments to emergency personnel on scene was greatly appreciated.

We would also like to thank our mutual aid partners for their assistance, including the Mount Gilead Fire Department, Elm Valley Joint Fire District , 1st Consolidated Fire District, Big Walnut Joint Fire District, Fort Morrow (Waldo) Fire District, Morrow County EMS, and the Morrow County Sheriffs Office, Mt. Gilead Ohio.

It is our understanding that a large number of cattle that evacuated the structure remain loose in the area. If you observe any of the cattle, please contact the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office so the owner can be notified. Motorists are asked to use caution while traveling through the area.