One Dead After House Fire in Pataskala

Firefighter released from hospital after responding to two-alarm blaze

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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An 84-year-old man was pronounced dead after a two-alarm house fire in Pataskala, Ohio over the weekend. A firefighter was also taken to the hospital in stable condition but was later released.

Why it matters

House fires can have tragic consequences, and this incident highlights the risks firefighters face when responding to emergencies, especially in areas without access to fire hydrants and in challenging winter weather conditions.

The details

The fire broke out around 5 p.m. on February 7th in the 4800 block of Columbia Road SW in Pataskala. Over 25 fire vehicles responded to the two-alarm blaze, which started in the home's basement. The home was fully engulfed by the time firefighters arrived. A West Licking Joint Fire District firefighter was taken to the hospital in stable condition but was later released.

  • The fire was called in around 5 p.m. on February 7, 2026.
  • Franklin McKnight, 84, was pronounced dead at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center on February 8, 2026.
  • The firefighter was released from the hospital around 10:15 p.m. on the night of the fire.

The players

Franklin McKnight

An 84-year-old man who died after the house fire.

West Licking Joint Fire District

The fire department that responded to the two-alarm blaze.

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What’s next

The fire department is still investigating the cause of the blaze.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the dangers firefighters face when responding to emergencies, especially in areas without access to fire hydrants and in challenging weather conditions. It serves as a reminder of the critical role firefighters play in protecting their communities.