October 24, 2026 - A fire beneath a former coal mine in Deerfield Township, Ohio, covers less than a quarter-acre, and investigations have found no evidence of substantial gas impacts beyond the property, according to the Portage County Emergency Management Agency.

In an Oct. 23 update on its Portage Prepares Facebook page, the agency said testing indicates the fire is more limited and poses fewer concerns than officials initially anticipated.

The fire was discovered Oct. 3 during pipeline repairs southeast of the intersection of U.S. Route 224 and state Route 225. Since then, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and other agencies have used exploratory drilling, air monitoring and site inspections to determine its extent and prepare an extinguishment plan.

Monitoring detected gases immediately around the fire source, but readings fell to nearly undetectable levels roughly two to five feet away. Surface temperatures in monitored locations have dropped below 100 degrees following initial stabilization work, compared with approximately 300 degrees reported shortly after the discovery.

ODNR’s cleanup plan calls for excavating the affected material, using water to extinguish and cool it, and restoring the disturbed ground. Work could start during the week of Oct. 26, depending on weather and conditions at the property.

People nearby may notice additional machinery and temporary odors during the operation. ODNR personnel and contractors will continuously monitor air in the work zone, while Portage County EMA will use specialized county HazMat Team equipment to monitor conditions near the property boundary. Those measures are intended to identify any potential downwind hazards as excavation proceeds.

Officials reminded residents that the site is on private property and is closed to the public. People should stay outside its boundaries, keep access clear for crews and avoid interfering with operations at nearby Portage Septic Tank.

Portage County EMA, ODNR, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Portage County Health District and local emergency responders will continue coordinating throughout the project.