40 area firefighters battle blaze at Stoller Lawn & Garden in Orrville

(Photos by East Wayne Fire District and Kidron Volunteer Fire Department Facebook pages.)

ORRVILLE  Fire heavily damaged a well-known family-owned lawn and garden shop Tuesday morning just outside of Orrville.

About 40 firefighters were at the scene throughout the morning and into the afternoon at Stoller Lawn & Garden along Back Orrville Road just after 6 a.m. Tuesday. One Orrville firefighter was treated at the hospital for an arm injury and was released the same day. No other injuries were reported and firefighters were able to keep the flames contained to the one-story building that housed the business, parts, and equipment and had loading docks.

“It’s one of our bigger ones for awhile,” said Orrville Fire Chief Chris Bishop.

The more than 20-year-old business at 10355 Back Orrville Road is family owned and operated providing outdoor power equipment, parts and service, according to its website at stollerlawnandgarden.net. The business has more than a dozen staff members, which include some family members, in departments for sales, parts and service.

Owned by Ken Stoller and his wife, Lori, Stoller Lawn & Garden opened its doors in January 1997. According to the business’ website, when Stoller began Stoller Lawn & Garden it was a dream come true because he always wanted to own his own business and he was able to work side-by-side with his children.

Several 911 calls came in reporting the fire. A family member called in as well as numerous passersby on their way to work who noticed flames, Bishop said.

East Wayne Fire District, Kidron Volunteer Fire Department, Apple Creek East Union Fire Department and Central Fire Department assisted.

Bishop said when they arrived the fire was coming through the roof and coming out of the windows.

“That early in the morning, until somebody saw it, it had gotten a head start,” he said.

The fire was under control around 10 a.m. Pockets of fire were trapped under the metal roof.

“We had to bring in an excavator to get that removed from the building to put the pockets out,” Bishop said.

The state fire marshal arrived on scene and is investigating the cause of the fire. Bishop said some security cameras were recovered, which may aid in determining how the fire started.

Bishop said he would like to thank the mutual aid companies.

“We are extremely grateful for them coming and helping,” he said. “It went well but we were sorry we couldn’t do more. We did the best we can.”