SANDBORN— A large fire at Wagler Custom Homes in Sandborn brought fire departments from three different counties together to battle a blaze that caused significant damage to the business.
The Sandborn Volunteer Fire Department received a call late Thursday night about a potential explosion at the business. Upon arrival, firefighters found the fire, which they believe started near a wood chipper at the back of the building, quickly spreading. Due to the rapid progression of the blaze, additional support was immediately requested.
“A very large group effort throughout the county shows great cooperation amongst all of our Knox County groups, as well as Greene County and Daviess, that came to help,” said Steven Schopmeyer, Assistant Chief of the Sandborn Fire Department. A total of 13 fire departments from the three counties responded to the scene.
Those on scene included:
- Knox County EMA
- Knox County EMS
- Knox County Sheriff’s Department
- Washington Township Fire Department
- Oaktown Fire Department
- Vincennes Township Department (staged at Station 12)
- Freelandville Fire Department
- Sandborn Fire Department
- Edwardsport Fire Department
- Vigo Township Fire Department
- Bicknell Fire Department
- Elnora Fire Department
- Plainville Fire Department
- Odon Fire Department
- Madison Township Fire Department
- Lyons Fire Department
- Linton Fire Department
The fire spread quickly through the structure, which housed a large amount of lumber and stacks of plywood, serving as fuel for the blaze. To ensure a steady water supply for the firefighters, crews worked with Duke Energy and Indiana Southern Railroads to coordinate the response, including shutting down a railroad line so crews could safely lay hoses across the tracks.
The fire was fully contained in just over three hours at 11:15 p.m., with cleanup efforts continuing until 1:30 a.m.
Authorities report that roughly 50% of the building is a total loss. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though fire officials suspect it may have been caused by a piece of equipment that overheated.
