COLUMBUS, Ind. — A single family home sustained heavy fire damage on Sunday in the 2600 block of Pearl Street. Firefighters and investigators are now working to find out what caused the blaze, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
At approximately 11:57 a.m., Columbus Firefighters were called to 2689 Pearl St. after neighbors reported a house on fire. Columbus Police Officers were first to arrive in the area and officers reported thick black smoke visible crossing the roadway in from of the home.
When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found heavy smoke coming from the rear of the home. As firefighter attempted to access the rear of the home, they encountered a privacy fence around the property. Firefighters removed portions of the fence and saw fire burning along the rear of the home. As crew attacked the flames from the rear, a search crew entered through the front entrance and began a search of the home. After successfully knocking down the flames at the rear of the home, the fire attack team moved to the front of the home where firefighters entered the smoke filled home for an interior fire attack. Inside the home, the fire attack team and search team encountered smoke and high heat as crews worked to control the fire and ensure that the home was free of occupants. With no occupants located with the home, firefighters worked to remove sections of the ceilings to apply water to fire that had extended into the home’s attic. The fire was brought under control within 25 minutes of firefighter’s arrival.
While firefighters worked at the scene, a family member who lives within the neighborhood arrived to speak to firefighters and confirmed that the owners were away from the home. A family pet was also in the care of that family member while the homeowner was away. The Columbus Fire Department was able to make contact with the homeowner by phone and will continue to provide any needed support for family, Wilson said.
Damage to the home was extensive. In addition to damage caused by fire, smoke and water damage is present throughout the home. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Damages are estimated at $75,000. No injuries were reported at the scene.
Agencies that assisted at the scene include the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Township Fire Department, Columbus Regional Health Emergency Medical Services, Bartholomew County Emergency 911 Dispatch Center, Duke Energy and Center Point Energy.
