Fire damage to local residence set at $130,000

A Saturday evening attic fire that caused approximately $130,000 in damage saw 10 emergency agencies respond to the blaze over the weekend. Flames shooting from the roof of the two-story residence were allegedly reported by a neighbor as no one was home at the time.

Banner Graphic/NICK WILSON

This weekend saw 10 agencies from around the county respond to an attic fire at 619 Westlane Rd. on the south side of Greencastle Saturday evening.

The Greencastle Fire Department (GFD) estimated the damage to the home at approximately $100,000 for the structure and about $30,000 in loss of possessions.

GFD reports the fire was contained within one hour of first arrival, limiting damage estimates and preserving the first floor of the building, which was observed as livable Sunday evening despite reports of water damage to the basement and ground floor.

Receiving the call at 8:19 p.m. on Saturday, GFD received reports from a neighbor that flames were shooting through the roof of the residence. GFD found that to also be true seven minutes later when two Greencastle engines -- later accompanied by Chief John Burgess and the department’s chaplain -- arrived, finding “heavy flames in the attic and roof area.”

Authorities believe the fire started in the attic but the cause is yet to be determined.

Alongside GFD were fire departments from Cloverdale, Reelsville, Fillmore, Bainbridge and Madison Township. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and the Greencastle Police Department also responded.

Crews from the Bainbridge Fire Department also helped cover the Greencastle station while several entities battled the flames.

The Red Cross and Operation Life were present, though the family was not home at the time and no injuries of any kind were reported.

GFD and the other departments officially had the fire under control at 9:21 p.m. and gave the “all clear” at 12:44 a.m. Sunday.