A Vermilion family is picking up the pieces after losing everything in a house fire on State Street on April 26, 2025.
The Vermilion Township Fire Department was dispatched around 2:11 p.m. for reports of a structure fire in a first-floor utility room. Automatic mutual aid was requested to assist. Firefighters quickly arrived on scene and were able to bring the fire under control. Ohio Edison and Columbia Gas were both notified and responded to assist with utility issues. The Red Cross was contacted to support the displaced family.
Resident Jill Nickeson, who was living in the home with her four sons and their dog, shared that she had been taking a shower when the fire started. She said her dog began barking frantically, alerting her that something was wrong. “I thought someone was there, so I hurried and got dressed. When I got out of the bathroom, smoke was everywhere,” she wrote. Nickeson was able to get herself and the dog out safely. Her children and fiancé were not home at the time.
At this time, the official cause of the fire has not been determined.
“We lost everything,” Nickeson posted online. She explained that the family escaped with only the clothes they were wearing. Their immediate concern is finding temporary housing that can accommodate both the family and their dog. “I’m trying to find a place to put my kids into,” she said.
In an emotional post on GoFundMe, Nickeson added, “It’s hard to describe the feeling of seeing your whole life go up in smoke. Right now, we’re just taking it day by day, trying to figure out our next steps.”
A GoFundMe page has been launched to help the family recover from the loss. Those wishing to support the Nickeson family can donate at this link.
Community members have already begun reaching out with prayers, donations, and offers of help as the family begins the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.
