Early morning fire sends two to hospital

Local fire departments responded to a house fire early Sunday morning on Albin Pond Road, which resulted in two people being transported to Putnam County Hospital.

Putnam County Sheriff's Department Deputy Josh Boller along with Greencastle Police Officer Nick Eastham arrived at the home of Norma Albin at 2:35 a.m., located at 1701 Albin Pond Rd.

Greencastle Fire Department units arrived at the scene at 2:43 a.m. and were able to knock down the fire, which was focused in the area of the attic. However, heavy smoke spread throughout the entire home.

Both Norma and her daughter, Carolyn Albin, 60, were asleep inside the home and awakened up by the smoke from the blaze. Carolyn was able to escape from a window, however her mother was trapped due to the amount of smoke.

"She (Carolyn) jumped out of her window barefoot," Boller said. "Then walked down the road to a neighbor to call for help because she didn't have a phone."

Once on the scene, Boller acted quickly by climbing through a window, which was blown out due to the heat, in the back of the home in an attempt to extract Norma.

"She wasn't too far in the house," Boller explained. "I had to come back out because the smoke was bothering me, but I was able to get the door unlocked and I went back in."

Boller also noted that Deputy Kyle Gibbons attempted to enter the home through the front of the house, but was unsuccessful due to the amount of smoke.

"You had to feel around because it was smoking so bad," Boller explained. "I pulled her to the door by her arm. Nick then helped me pull her into the yard."

On-scene care, including oxygen administration, was administered by Greencastle Police Department Sgt. Charles Inman, Reserve Officer Heather Davies, DePauw University Police Officer Nate Lien and Eastham prior to ambulance arrival.

Both Norma and Carolyn were transported by ambulance to Putnam County Hospital.

Norma was treated for smoke inhalation and was transferred to Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis for further treatment, while Carolyn was treated for smoke inhalation and later released from care.

Boller, was not transported by ambulance, but was also treated for smoke inhalation and released from care.

Damages were estimated at $55,000, with structural damage estimated at $40,000.

Also assisting at the scene was Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Department, Madison Township Volunteer Fire Department, Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department, Reelsville Volunteer Fire Department, Operation Life and PMH Ambulance.