Overview
- The fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. on Garrard Street in Covington's Austinburg neighborhood.
- Surveillance from a neighbor shows what appears to be a blast during the blaze, though Chief Corey Deye says its nature remains under investigation.
- Multiple residents escaped, and two adjacent houses were evacuated as a precaution with no reported damage.
- About 30 firefighters responded with assistance from Newport and county personnel, and K-9 teams aided early investigative work.
- The home sustained extensive damage, the Red Cross is assisting affected residents, and officials expect nearby residents may be allowed to return soon.