Churubusco units were called to the 600 block of West Whitley Street with a report of a possible house fire around 3:00 p.m. Friday afternoon.

Fire Chief Bennett and assistant chief Krider arrived to find smoke coming from the house and radioed a “working house fire”. Because day time help is always at a minimum, chief Bennett radioed for a full response from LaOtto to assist.

Crews entered the 2-story structure to find heavy black smoke throughout and a smoldering pile of wood and plastic near the fireplace hearth. The burning wood and other objects were removed from the structure and the carpet that had ignited was extinguished along with the fire still burning in the fireplace. LaOtto units were then given a disregard and interior crews checked for extension while exterior crews checked for the same thing.

The house received heavy smoke damage and minor fire / water damage.

The home owner was checked by Whitley County Medic 21 for possible injuries sustained from being inside the home at the time of the fire.