Electrical has been determined the cause of a fire early this morning (Wednesday) at 301 N. Lake St., Syracuse.
Turkey Creek Fire Territory was called to the residence at approximately 4:45 a.m. and cleared the scene at 6:05 a.m. Tankers from Milford and Benton Township fire departments responded for assistance with Benton also providing additional manpower.
According to Turkey Creek Fire Territory Fire Chief Mickey Scott, the renters of the home, the Tommy Fultz family, were up when they noticed smoke in the bathroom. There was no functional smoke alarm in the home at the time of the fire.
The department’s quick response time allowed the fire to be brought under control at 5:07 a.m. Everyone was out of the residence and no injuries were reported.
Firefighters continued to check the home for additional fire and cause until NIPSCO could arrive to shut off all electrical power coming into the home. Firefighters were able to shut down the electrical panel inside the home.
Scott reports there was little fire and smoke damage. However, damage was estimated up to $5,000 as repair of some roofing and ceilings will be needed.
County records show the two-story home is owned by Robert J. Powell and is located at the corner of Lake and John streets, several blocks southeast of the fire station.
The Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross has been called to assist the renters of the home.