Slow fire response blamed on 911 mix-up - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Slow fire response blamed on 911 mix-up

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ROSSFORD, Ohio -

A Rossford teen faces felony charges stemming from an arson investigation a few weeks ago. Ian Ortega, 19, has been indicted on arson charges and possession of drugs. Investigators say he was responsible for a massive fire that destroyed a home on Oak Street on August 19.

His mother was inside when the fire started, but she made it out safely. A firefighter did suffer minor injuries battling the blaze.

Neighbors who called 9-1-1 during the fire complained about how long it took Rossford rescue crews to show up.

Emergency officials blame the delay on the cell phones pinging a tower in Lucas County instead of Wood County.

Because of Rossford's close proximity to Toledo, the original cell phone calls went to Toledo dispatchers instead of Rossford. And since the same address exists in Toledo, that's where dispatchers first sent fire crews. 

Rossford's police and fire chiefs are now notifying residents to always be specific with 9-1-1 dispatchers. Don't just give the address, but the city as well.

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