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Massive fire destroys Neff’s Lawn Equipment in Germantown; cause still under investigation

The cause of the fire that destroyed Neff’s Lawn Equipment in Germantown Wednesday evening is under investigation, German Twp. Police Chief Joseph Andzik said.

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“At this time, we don’t know the cause, only that there is an extensive loss,” he said.

Several crews were dispatched to the business, located at 9400 Eckhart Road,about 7:45 p.m., per initial reports.

Flames engulfed the main building, the chief said. Two smaller buildings on the property at state Route 123 (Carlisle Pike) and Eckhart Road were not involved in the fire but may have been damaged.

An eyewitness, Ricky Dixon, said it appears that everyone was able to get out of the building. He was on his way home from his farm in Preble County when he saw smoke and then flames.

There were no injuries, Chief Andzik confirmed.

There were several combustibles on the property because of the kind of equipment sold there -- mowers, weed eaters, chain saws and more -- and the repairs that take place there.

Tankers from the several fire departments that responded to the scene had to travel north into Germantown for water from hydrants.

Eckhard Road and Ohio 123 were closed as fire crews handled the blaze. They have since reopened.

According to BBB.org, Neff’s has operated for 30 years, having opened in May 1989.

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