West 13th structure fire likely accidental; residents escaped, two cats died, chief says

A structure fire on West 13th Street earlier the evening of Nov. 17 was extinguished with mutual‑aid assistance, Fire Chief Blusso reported to the Newport Board of Commissioners.

Chief Blusso said crews from Newport, with assistance from Covington, West Dayton and Wilder, responded and were able to extinguish the blaze 'relatively quickly.' He said initial, preliminary findings 'show that it appears to be accidental.' Both residents escaped unharmed, the chief said, but two cats were lost in the fire and the building is likely beyond repair.

Chief Blusso thanked mutual‑aid partners and praised the coordinated response; he offered the update as part of routine department reports and closed by wishing the board a happy Thanksgiving. The city has not announced additional investigative findings or an official cause beyond the preliminary assessment, and the chief indicated no further details were available during the meeting.