Middleport Fire Dept

05/30/2026

Chicken is on! Stop by and see us today.

05/28/2026

⚠️COMMUNITY NOTICE ⚠️
🐻BLACK BEAR SIGHTING IN POMEROY / MEIGS COUNTY🐻

Wednesday, May 27th, 2026

Residents are advised that a black bear has recently been spotted in and around the Pomeroy area. Most recently it was seen around the Nye Ave. It is believed to be a young male and Wildlife officials have been tracking this bear, and it has been present within Meigs County for several weeks.

At this time, the bear has not shown aggressive behavior. Black bears are generally shy animals and will usually avoid people if left alone. We ask the public to use caution and help prevent the bear from becoming comfortable around homes and neighborhoods.

🐻 SAFETY TIPS FOR RESIDENTS:
• Do NOT approach, feed, or attempt to follow the bear
• Keep a safe distance and allow the animal to move through the area naturally
• Secure trash cans, pet food, bird feeders, and outdoor food sources
• Keep pets supervised and indoors when possible, especially during nighttime hours
• If you encounter the bear, remain calm, make noise, and slowly back away
• Never corner, harass, or provoke the animal

Feeding wildlife can create dangerous situations for both residents and the animal. A fed bear can lose its natural fear of humans and become a public safety concern.

If you observe the bear in a populated area or notice aggressive behavior, please contact the Meigs County Sheriff’s Office or the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Please share this information to help keep our community and wildlife safe.

— Sheriff Scott Fitch
Meigs County Sheriff’s Office

05/24/2026

Last night, the Middleport Fire Department was honored to attend the Middleport High School Alumni Banquet.

During the evening, Chief Jeff Darst shared the history of our department and read excerpts from past meeting minutes, highlighting how the department has evolved and grown throughout the years while continuing to serve our community.

The department was also honored to receive a commemorative plaque from the Middleport High School Alumni Association. We are grateful for this recognition and proud to be a part of the rich history and tradition of the Middleport community.

Thank you to the Middleport High School Alumni Association for the invitation and for a wonderful evening. We appreciate your continued support of the Middleport Fire Department.

Pictured left to right: Chief Jeff Darst, Captain Jordan Shank, Firefighter Emily Shank, Firefighter Taylor Miller, Asst Chief Joe Powell, and past Chief Larry Byer.

04/24/2026

Tonight, members training our new ATV 10.

04/18/2026

If someone that came to the fish fry today is missing a key for a Chevrolet, we found one on the floor that can be claimed at the FD.

04/18/2026

🚒 Friendly Reminder About Fire Hoses 🚒

At the fire on Thursday, one section of large-diameter hose was driven over by a vehicle. We want to remind everyone that these hoses are a lifeline to fire suppression operations and the crews relying on that water.

Driving over fire hoses can:
• Cause a loss of water needed to fight the fire
• Damage your vehicle
• Damage the fire hose
• Result in a possible criminal citation from law enforcement

Fire hoses are expensive to replace, costing $200–$1,000 per section depending on size.
If your path is blocked by a fire hose, please use an alternative route whenever possible. If there is no other way around, speak with a fire department representative on scene—we will make every effort to assist you safely if possible.

Thank you for helping us keep our firefighters safe and operations running smoothly. 🚒

04/17/2026

Here is a video that a bystander took of Middleport units responding to the initial call.

04/17/2026

Yesterday at 11:16, Middleport, Pomeroy, and Rutland Fire Departments were dispatched to North 2nd Street for a confirmed structure fire. Engine 13, Ladder 16, and Rescue 17 responded.

Upon arrival, crews found fire showing from the upper floors of a 3-story building. Engine 13 deployed the deck gun while Ladder 16’s crew established a water supply. Once water supply was secured, Ladder 16 utilized the aerial waterway to direct water through the windows and then performed deluge operations from above the building.

Syracuse, Mason, and New Haven Fire Departments were requested for mutual aid. Meigs EMS and York Township Box 5 also responded to assist with rehab operations.

We are thankful for all of our mutual aid partners who worked together to help save the Snouffer’s Fire Safety building.

Middleport Fire Department remained on scene until approximately 1800 hours extinguishing hot spots. Thankfully, no injuries were reported to fire personnel or civilians.

Attached are several photos that were shared online following the fire.

04/11/2026