The garage of a home at 65 EMS B5 Ln., North Webster, is a total loss after a fire early this morning. (Photo by Deb Patterson)
North Webster Fire Chief Jeremy Likens reports the cause of a fire is still being investigated that destroyed a 1,344 square foot garage, owned by Lanny Scott, at 63 EMS B5 Lane, North Webster.
The fire department was notified of the fire at 5:31 a.m. today. Two pet dogs that were kept in the garage were lost in the blaze.
Likens reported the garage, primarily constructed of wood, was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived on scene. The residence began to catch ignite, but firefighters were able to quickly extinguish it and save it.
A house to the north of the burning garage sustained broken windows due to exposure from the heat. Both residences were approximately 15 feet away from the burning structure.
Three occupants of the home, two males and a female, were able to exit the home. Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Deputy Neil Likens was first on the scene and assisted the female resident, who is wheelchair bound, exit the home.
The garage, which contained a vehicle, boat and mechanical parts, as well as acetylene and propane tanks, was a total loss. There were reports of numerous explosions caused by the acetylene and propane.
Fire officials immediately called for a full assist from Turkey Creek Fire Territory and tanker assist from Pierceton Fire Department. However, the full assist from Turkey Creek Fire Territory was changed to a tanker assist only.
“For the amount of fire we had, we were able to quickly get it contained and save the two homes,” stated Likens. Firefighters brought the fire under control by 6 a.m. They remained at the scene until approximately 9 a.m. this morning.
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