12-03-2025
Fire destroys former theater in downtown Newcomerstown; 12 departments battled blaze
NEWCOMERSTOWN – Eleven fire departments responded to assist the Newcomerstown Fire Department with a 2-alarm fire at the former Ritz Theater, Tuesday afternoon.
Firefighters from Newcomerstown were initially called out at 2:34 p.m. for the report of a car fire inside a building at 110 North Bridge Street. However, as the first Newcomerstown unit arrived, it was apparent the fire had quickly spread within the building that had been converted to accommodate six apartments and a business. A second alarm was then requested by incident commander, Arrowhead Joint Valley Fire District Chief Steve Wright.
Crews were on the scene for more than seven hours and no injuries were reported. Smoke could be seen billowing from the village miles away on Interstate 77.
According to fire and village officials on scene, vehicles were parked inside the building through a roll-up door on North Bridge Street.
About a 30 minutes into the fire, an order was given by incident command for firefighters to evacuate the structure as part of the roof had collapsed. A defense attack was then taken, and more ladder trucks were requested to attack the fire from the air.
Located on the ground floor of the converted building, were Don and Doris Best, octogenarians and former owners of the one-time theater. Nearby inside was the office of Fresh Forward, a family farm cooperative. It was formerly known as Ohio Apples, managed by the Fruit Growers Marketing Association (FGMA).
Alex Buck, president of the business and office manager Angie Shugars were able to retrieve important memorabilia from the office, thanks to Newcomerstown Fire Chief Jeff Parks.
Village Councilman Michael Wise wandered the fire scene, taking pictures and capturing video, and trying to avoid the smoke. 'I used to clean the theatre as a little boy, and they would let me in for free,' he said.
Late into the fire, a decision was made to let the fire burn for a while for better access to the roof for aerial water attacks. According to multiple fire chiefs working the fire, including New Philadelphia's Chief Jim Parrish, a drone from the Coshocton Fire Department's Mobile Command Unit was instrumental in pinpointing hotspots, which led to a precise attack.
The State Fire Marshals Office will investigate the incident.
Support from area restaurants such as Wendy's, Taco, Bell, McDonald's, Domino's and more was given in the way of food for all. Fresh baked goods were also brought in anonymously by residents.
The Newcomerstown Police Department provided security and traffic control, and Tri-County Ambulance was on scene for emergency medical support if needed.
Mayor Pat Cadle, who was also on scene said, 'Sometimes you count your blessings that you have what you have.'
T-R staff photographer Andrew Dolph can be reached by phone at 330-289-6072, or by email at adolph3@ You can also find him on Instagram @dolphphoto.
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Fire destroys former Ritz Theater in downtown Newcomerstown
