Bath Township Fire Department Responds to Apartment Fire

Bath Township Fire Department responded to a reported apartment fire at 8:39 p.m. on May 18, 2026, at 400 South Mumaugh Road, Lima, Ohio.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke coming from Building 8, Unit 1 of the apartment complex. Crews made entry and located a fire in the kitchen area which had extended into the attic space above the apartment.

Firefighters brought the fire under control within approximately 10 minutes. The occupant of the apartment was not home at the time of the incident. 

The remaining three apartments within the building did not sustain damage; however, the involved unit suffered extensive heat, smoke, and water damage throughout. No firefighter injuries were reported. 

The owner of the Hampton Greene Apartments advised that the structure is insured, and the occupant stated that renter’s insurance coverage is also in place. Fire officials estimate damage to the structure at approximately $100,000, with an additional $50,000 in damage to contents. 

The Lima Fire Department assisted at the scene. Firefighters remained on scene for approximately three hours. 

The fire remains under investigation at this time; however, fire officials do not believe the fire appears to be suspicious in nature.

 

Contact: Joseph L. Kitchen, Bath Twp. Fire Chief, 419-221-0550

Bath Township Fire Department Responds to Apartment Fire 

Bath Township Fire Chief Announces Retiremente

 

Bath Township Fire Chief Joseph Kitchen has notified the Bath Township Board of Trustees of his intention to retire from the Bath Township Fire Department effective July 3, 2026. Chief Kitchen formally advised the Board during an executive session held on May 5, 2026.

 

Chief Kitchen joined the Bath Township Fire Department in 1990 and was appointed Fire Chief in April 2002. During his 24 years as Fire Chief, the department evolved from an all-volunteer organization into a combination department staffed by full-time firefighter/paramedics and supplemented by part-time fire and EMS personnel providing 24-hour-a-day service to the community. 

 

Over the course of his tenure, the department experienced significant growth and modernization through the collective efforts of township leadership, department personnel, and community support. During that time, multiple fire apparatus and pieces of equipment were replaced and upgraded, and in 2011 the township completed a major expansion and renovation of the fire station to better meet the needs of the community. 

 

Throughout his career, Chief Kitchen remained actively involved in numerous professional organizations and committees at the local, state, and federal levels. Most recently, he is completing his term as President of the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association. 

 

Reflecting on his retirement, Chief Kitchen stated: 

 

“Being a member of the Bath Township Fire Department and having the opportunity to serve as Fire Chief has been the honor of a lifetime. I will be forever grateful to the residents of Bath Township for giving me the opportunity to live a life of service.”

 

Contact: Joseph Kitchen, Fire Chief 419-221-0550 

Bath Township Fire Chief Announces Retirement

 

Bath Township Board of Trustees Appoint Interim Fire Chief 

 

 

The Bath Township Board of Trustees has appointed Ken Meyer as Interim Fire Chief of the Bath Township Fire Department, effective July 4, 2026. 

Ken Meyer has proudly served the Bath Township Fire Department since 1995 in a variety of capacities throughout his distinguished career. He currently serves as the department’s Fire Inspector at the rank of Captain, where he oversees fire code enforcement, fire prevention, public education, and inspection activities throughout the township. 

This temporary appointment will ensure continuity and stability within the organization while the Bath Township Board of Trustees conducts the hiring process to select a permanent Fire Chief. 

Inspector Meyer succeeds Fire Chief Joseph Kitchen, who is retiring after 36 years of dedicated service to the fire service, including more than two decades leading the Bath Township Fire Department as Fire Chief. 

The Bath Township Board of Trustees extends its appreciation to Captain Meyer for his willingness to serve in this interim capacity and looks forward to working with him during this transition period. 

Inspector Ken Meyer (419) 221-0550 

 Bath Township Board of Trustees Appoint Interim Fire Chief 

Bath Township Fire Department Responds to Vacant Residential Structure Fire 

 

The Bath Township Fire Department responded to a report of a residential structure fire at 806 Christopher Drive in Bath Township, Lima, Ohio, at 1:53 a.m. 

Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy fire conditions in the rear of the house, which had extended into the attic area of the residence. 

The home, which was vacant, sustained significant damage, estimated at $75,000 to the structure. 

No fire department personnel were injured. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

Mutual aid was provided by the City of Lima Fire Department and American Township Fire Department. Perry Township EMS also responded to the scene. 

Fire crews remained on scene for approximately two hours. 

 

Contact: Joseph Kitchen, Fire Chief 419-221-0550 

Bath Township Fire Department Responds to Vacant Residential Structure Fire

 

Bath Township Fire Department Responds to Residential Structure Fire 

 

The Bath Township Fire Department responded to a report of a residential structure fire at 3416 Danny Drive in Bath Township, Lima, Ohio, at 6:34 p.m. 

Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy fire conditions in the attached garage, which had extended into the second story of the residence. 

The home sustained significant damage, estimated at $260,000 to the structure and $75,000 to its contents. Two vehicles were also damaged as a result of the fire. 

No fire department personnel were injured. One resident self-transported to a local hospital for evaluation. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation; however, it is believed to have originated from unattended open burning. 

Mutual aid was provided by the Lima Fire Department and American Township Fire Department. Perry Township EMS also responded to the scene. 

Fire crews remained on scene for approximately three hours. 

Contact: Joseph Kitchen, Fire Chief 419-221-0550 

Bath Township Fire Department Responds to Residential Structure Fire 

 

Bath Township Fire Department Announces Swearing-In Ceremony for Newly Promoted Platoon Chief

The Bath Township Fire Department is proud to announce the swearing-in ceremony for newly promoted Platoon Chief Ethan Hull, to be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The ceremony will take place at the Bath Township Fire Station, located at 1787 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45801.

Platoon Chief Hull is a graduate of Ada High School, Apollo Career Center, and Rhodes State College, and most recently completed Fire Officer training at the Bowling Green State University Fire School. He holds certifications as a Firefighter Level II, Paramedic, and Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Technician. 

The ceremony will be attended by local elected officials, community leaders, and members of Platoon Chief Hull’s family as the department recognizes his promotion and continued commitment to public service.

Contact: Joseph L. Kitchen, Bath Twp. Fire Chief, 419-221-0550

Bath Township Fire Department Announces Swearing-In Ceremony for Newly Promoted Platoon Chief 

 

Bath Township Fire Department Held Swearing-In and Awards Ceremony

The Bath Township Fire Department is proud to announce a recent swearing-in and awards ceremony to welcome a new group of four firefighters and recognize several members with both years of service and commendation awards. The ceremony took place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. at the Bath Township Fire Station, located at 1787 N. Dixie Highway, Lima, Ohio 45801.

The event marked an important milestone for our community, as we welcomed the next generation of firefighters who have committed their lives to serving and protecting the residents of Bath Township. These new recruits have undergone rigorous training and are now prepared to officially join the ranks of our fire department, upholding the values of courage, dedication, and service.

The ceremony was attended by local officials, community leaders, and the families of those being honored. It was an opportunity to celebrate the bravery and dedication of our firefighters, who play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of our township.

Sworn in:

Brandt McClain, Seth Thornburg, Ian Fosnaugh, and Dylan Hartman.

Years of Service Awards:

Brock Yingling (5 Years), Travis Fillhart (15 Years,) Brenda Meyer (20 Years,) Ken Meyer (30 Years,) and Joseph Kitchen (35 Years.)

Commendation Awards:

Firefighter of the Year: Ethan Hull, EMS Provider of the Year: Gavin Butler, Rookie of the Year: Gavin Butler, and Physical Fitness Award: Brayden Young.

Contact: Joseph L. Kitchen, Bath Twp. Fire Chief, 419-221-0550

Bath Township Fire Department Held Swearing-In and Awards Ceremony