House damaged by fire on Elm Street

Flames leap from the roofline of a residence at the corner of Elm and Illinois streets Sunday morning. (Courtesy of Greencastle Police Deparment)

Firefighters spent Sunday morning battling a fire on the city's south side.

At 6:58 a.m., Greencastle firefighters were dispatched to a report of smoke showing from a residence at Elm and Illinois streets.

They arrived to find heavy smoke and eventually flames showing from the two-story home.

Upon initial entrance, the crew found the fire was above them.

Backing out and making entrance to the second floor, firefighters found fire in the attic area.

Due to trouble accessing the attic area, they vented the roof on two sides, a job made more taxing by several layers of shingles.

The blaze took around 90 minutes to extinguish, and crews remained on scene until shortly after 11 a.m.

Investigation revealed the heavy fire damage around a shower. An electrical short may have been the culprit. Damage was estimated at $90,000.

Mutal aid was provided at the scene by Cloverdale Township, Madison Township, Reelsville, Fillmore and Bainbridge fire departments. Clinton Township also provided assistance by covering the GFD station.

No one was in the residence at the time of the fire, as it is currently unoccupied. Jim Hayes is the property owner.