Uptown Snow Removal On State - House Fire on Walnut - Chief Miller Retires
Overnight Work Clears Major Arteries
After Severe Winter Storm
City crews worked overnight and into the early morning to complete the final round of snow removal on major arterial streets as part of the citywide response to a severe winter storm that brought heavy snow and prolonged extreme cold.
Police closed sections of State Street during the operation, placing vehicles at both ends of active work zones to secure the area. Although the street was partially cleared the previous night, crews returned after midnight to remove remaining snow that had been pushed into large curbside piles during earlier plowing.
Some neighborhoods reported snowfall totals of up to 15 inches. The city prepared for Sunday’s storm by applying brine to major roads in advance, a standard measure to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement.
However, the storm’s conditions reduced the effectiveness of this treatment. Heavy snowfall and below-zero temperatures limited the brine’s performance. As a result, snow remained frozen with little melting since the storm ended.
The sustained cold also led to school closures for the week. In addition to extreme temperatures, deep snow at bus stops and street corners made safe and efficient bus pickups and drop-offs nearly impossible. High snowbanks restricted visibility and access, even on plowed streets.
Under typical winter conditions, snow removal follows a predictable process: roads are pretreated, plowed during snowfall, and then cleared further as salt and warmer temperatures help melt the snow. This storm disrupted that process. Heavy snowfall and persistent cold required additional measures, including hauling snow from high-traffic areas rather than just pushing it aside.
During the overnight operation, front loaders and skid steers gathered snow from intersections and curb lanes and loaded it directly into dump trucks. After two full loads, snow began to freeze to the trucks’ metal beds, preventing complete unloading. Trucks periodically returned to a heated city garage to thaw their beds before rejoining the operation, causing brief but necessary delays.
City officials stated that conducting the work overnight was critical. Low traffic volumes allowed crews to fully occupy lanes, safely stage equipment, and clear busy arterial streets more efficiently.
While some streets still require additional cleanup, completing overnight work on major corridors is a significant step toward restoring normal travel across the city. Crews will continue to address remaining problem areas as conditions allow.
Firefighters Respond to House Fire On East Walnut
Firefighters from Westerville, Genoa Township, Worthington, and Columbus responded Friday afternoon to a house fire on East Walnut Street, near Blendon Middle School and Whittier Elementary.
Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and flames on the second floor of a recently renovated home. Ladders were placed at the roof and upper windows, and hose lines were deployed inside. Firefighters worked along the roof ridgeline to contain flames spreading into the attic, while others attacked the fire from windows and inside the home.
During operations, some firefighters took short breaks nearby, kneeling in the snow to rest and rehydrate after extended periods inside the structure.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control approximately one hour after the initial call. Crews remained on scene to ventilate the home and check for hot spots.
East Walnut Street was closed to traffic between Otterbein Avenue and Summit Street during the response.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire has not yet been released.
Chief Brian C. Miller to Retire Following 26-Year Career with WFD
Fire Chief Brian C. Miller has announced his retirement from the Westerville Division of Fire after 26 years of service, effective April 2, 2026. Miller began his career with the department in 2000 as a firefighter/paramedic and has served as Fire Chief for the past 11 years. Throughout his tenure, he guided the department through significant growth, expanded fire and EMS services, and led critical emergency responses, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Miller is working with City leadership to ensure a smooth transition as the City begins the process of identifying the next fire chief.
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