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Last updated on Wednesday, June 18, 2014
(BARTHOLOMEW CO.) - A Bartholomew County family lost their home in a fire Tuesday.
Matt Lynch, Deputy Chief of the German Township Volunteer Fire Department, says that his department, the Columbus Township Fire Department, Harrison Township Fire Department and Clifford Fire Department were dispatched just before noon to 5221 Ohio Ridge Road in Bartholomew County for a report of a dryer fire. Initial crews requested additional departments to respond due to heavy smoke showing in the area while they were still responding.
The first crews arrived at 12:10 p.m. and found the single story home with heavy fire involvement, including flames shooting through the roof. Lynch adds that commanders on the scene requested an upgraded alarm to bring in more firefighters and equipment.
The fire was deemed "under control" at 12:52 p.m.
The Bartholomew County Fire Investigator/ Inspector, along with the German Township Fire Chief, will be investigating to determine the cause of the fire.
Investigators say the owner of the home stated that he had clothes in the dryer when he smelled smoke and went to open a window. He then stated that he saw that there were flames coming from the area of the dryer. That's when he evacuated several children from the house and called 911. The home and its contents were deemed a total loss. The value of the house is being estimated at $80,000 and the contents at $25,000. The occupants of the home told investigators that they will be staying with relatives.
Lynch noted that tankers had to shuttle water approximately five miles round trip for water supply, as there are no hydrants in the area.
Three firefighters were checked out by CRH EMS for heat related injuries on scene. One was transported to the hospital to be checked out. He was later released.
Crews cleared the scene at 5:37 p.m.
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