An elderly Bellefontaine man died in a fire at his home near the downtown area in the early morning hours of Tuesday, June 16. 

The name of the deceased has yet to be released, but he is confirmed to be in his 70s, Bellefontaine Fire Department Chief Brian Wilson said Tuesday afternoon.  

About 5:45 a.m. Tuesday, firefighters were called to 417 W. Brown Ave. on the report of a fire.  

Officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department were already on the scene and alerted firefighters to the clearly visible fire at the rear of the home. 

Crews noted smoke and flames coming from second story windows. The fire was mostly contained to the second story but did involve a portion of a first story room, firefighters said.  

As the flames were being extinguished, firefighters found the man in the second story bathroom of the home.  

His wife escaped after being alerted by smoke detectors and was unharmed. No other injuries were reported. 

The Ohio Fire Marshal was notified of the situation, as is required in any fatal fire, and is conducting an investigation into the cause of the blaze. 

“Our thoughts are with the family,” Bellefontaine Fire Department officials said via a social media post.  

“Thank you to Huntsville Volunteer Fire Department, The Logan County Fire Investigation Team, Bellefontaine Police Department and the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office for their assistance.” 

According to Logan County Auditor’s Office records, the property is owned by Rosemary Bayless.