Historic downtown Columbus building catches fire

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Firefighters are battling a blaze at a historic Downtown Columbus building on Monday afternoon.

The incident was initially reported as a gas leak in the 500 block of East Town Street at the Kelton House Museum and Garden.

Fire and thick, black smoke were pouring from the roof of the building as Columbus firefighters and police worked the scene.

Kelton House, in Columbus' East Town Historic District, was built in 1852 and has operated for decades as a Victorian-era museum and garden, a frequent spot for central Ohio school field trips.

According to Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Jeffrey Geitter, crews were initially investigating a call for a gas leak, but during that investigation, an "explosive event" occurred, resulting in a partial collapse and fire at the building.

There are no injuries reported.

Columbus Assistant Fire Chief Mike Secrist said the fire has been hard to fight due to Monday's windy weather.

Secrist said it's a deep-seated fire in the attic and top floors of the building. He had to pull firefighters out of the building when he saw signs that the building could collapse. Now, crews are using drones to watch for hotspots and document what's happening from above.

At times, when it was safe enough to go in, firefighters removed some artifacts and framed pieces, trying to save what they could. What firefighters could bring out was loaded into a Kelton House staff member's car,

The home was part of the Underground Railroad and over the years, it's hosted elementary school tours so students could learn about such an important piece of history.

The Junior League of Columbus has operated the house since 1976, so it was just getting ready to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Junior League President Kristina Ellis said she's grateful none of her team members were inside when the explosion happened and that no firefighters were hurt, but the situation remains difficult to wrap her head around.

“This is devastating," Ellis said. "The Junior League has maintained the Kelton House since 1976. It's a house built in 1852. We're obviously hoping for the best, but we just don’t know what to expect right now.”

A resident of the neighborhood reported hearing an explosion at approximately 3:15 p.m., followed by a second explosion about 15 seconds later. The explosions shook her house, and smoke immediately poured into her room.

Columbus Gas responded to an emergency call at the location, a company spokesperson said.