(ANGOLA) - A Saturday morning fire sent a towering column of smoke into the sky and caused extensive damage to a rural Angola home on Landis Road.
The fire was reported to 911 around 8:30 a.m. by the homeowner, Gregory Sanders, who discovered flames in the attached garage, according to Angola Fire Chief Bill Harter.
Fire crews arrived to find heavy fire involvement in the garage and thick smoke throughout the structure. Despite quick response efforts, the fire spread from the garage into the main living areas of the home once suppression operations began.
Sanders was able to exit the residence safely and was not injured. However, firefighters later found that two cats and a dog inside the home had died.
The extreme cold, with temperatures below zero, complicated firefighting efforts and required extensive mutual aid. A total of 44 firefighters responded, allowing crews to rotate frequently to avoid cold-related injuries.
Assisting the Angola Fire Department were Steuben Township, Fremont, Metz, and Orland fire departments, while the Ashley-Hudson Fire Department stood by at the Angola station. Additional support came from Indiana State Police, Steuben County Sheriff's Office, Angola Police, Steuben County EMS, Northern Indiana Public Service Co., Steuben County REMC, and the Steuben County Highway Department.
After crews cleared the scene, at least one custom vehicle was observed parked outside the damaged garage.
Fire investigators are expected to return to the scene Monday to continue determining the cause and origin of the fire. Damage to the home is estimated at $310,000.