According to the owner he heard a “pop” and then saw flames. He and several neighbors tried to battle the flames with extinguishers but the flames and threat of a full gas tank were too dangerous and they waited for the fire department.

The boat where the fire started was completely destroyed, while the pier and a boat on the other side were damaged from the intense flames.

First arriving units called for an area tanker response and upon further investigation many of the tankers were turned back.

Churubusco, Huntertown and Arcola units handled the exinguishment and the delapidated barn received moderate fire damage and heavy water damage.

The fire was brought under control in less than 20 minutes, no one was injured in the fire.

Captain Shively then found the resident, Pat Beyer still inside the structure. After helping remove the resident from the structure the fire flashed over into the front of the structure and out the front door.

Emergency crews arrived shortly thereafter and found a large amount of fire and smoke pushing out of the windows and front door of the home.

Upon entering the firefighters found extremely heavy fire and smoke in two separate rooms, which hampered their efforts to contain the fire in the one story home. The fire was brought under control in approximately one hour.No injuries were reported. The home and much of its contents were a total loss.

The Thorncreek (Tri-Lakes) fire department was called in to assist with water and manpower and LaOtto fire department was called in for extra water supply.

The fire remains under investigation.