BARTHOLOMEW CO. – A family’s dog was rescued but their home was destroyed after a blaze ignited Tuesday evening in northwestern Bartholomew County.
German Township Volunteer Fire Department firefighters from that area along with Clifford and Edinburgh Fire Departments were called to a home on fire in the 4500 block of West Newton Drive in the Pleasant View addition at about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night.
Bartholomew County deputies were the first on the scene and they found heavy smoke billowing from the home and a fire at the back of the house. A dog was reportedly still inside.
More firefighters were called in from Harrison and Columbus Townships, the Hope Department, and the Amity and Nineveh fire departments. More than 30 firefighters battled the blaze.
Wayne Township firefighters were also put on standby at the German Township station in case of other emergencies. Edinburgh firefighters began attacking the fire while German Township provided water and other crews searched the burning home for the dog.
The dog was found hiding in a back bedroom. It was given oxygen and was able to stand on its own, but was taken to an emergency vet by the residents.
After about 20 minutes fighting the fire from inside, the firefighters were pulled back and a Columbus Township tower truck sprayed water from above until most of the fire was knocked out. Firefighters then went back inside to attack the remaining hotspots.
The home was a total loss, with damage estimated at $200,000 along with $75,000 in belongings. The homeowners did not have insurance, according to firefighters. No one was injured.
The Bartholomew County fire investigator is searching for the cause of the blaze.
