Right on the tail of a winter storm that dumped more than a foot of snow, Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Department and four other departments responded to the 31000 block of U.S. Route 30 for a structure fire Sunday night. Fully involved upon arrival, the farmhouse was a total loss. (Submitted photo)

HANOVERTON — A Hanover Township couple is lucky to be alive after a blaze destroyed their farmhouse Sunday night

According to Hanover Township Volunteer Fire Chief Frank Baker, his department received the call shortly after 8 p.m. regarding a structure fire in the 31000 block of U.S. Route 30.

The home was unoccupied at the time.

Baker said the homeowner had ventured out to his detached shop when he heard a noise and turned around to look toward the home, which he observed in flames.

Crews from HTVFD, Winona, Lisbon, Perry Township and Franklin Township fought the fire.

There were no longer any animals on the property but two dogs, who were unharmed.

The home was occupied by Dave and June Bernet. She was at work during the fire.

Baker said the temperatures and snow depth made the blaze more difficult but thanked responding agencies as well as the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office for traffic control and the Ohio Department of Transportation, which sent a truck down to spread extra salt for their help.

Baker said the cause of the fire is undetermined and declared the home a total loss.

The property was insured.

One firefighter sustained a minor eye injury, which was treated at the scene per Baker.

Hanoverton Hardware is serving as a drop off site for the Bernets.

All donations, gift cards and clothing can be dropped off during regular business hours on Mondays through Saturdays.

Clothing sizes needed include men’s XL shirts, 35×29 or 36×29 pants and size 10 shoes; and women’s Large/XL shirts and pants as well as size 8.5 shoes.

For additional information on how one may assist, reach out to Linda Bernet at 330-260-3234.