Madison Township house fire contained to one room

An attentive neighbor and the quick response of local firefighters kept damage to a minimum in a house fire in southwestern Madison Township Friday morning.

Four departments responded to the fire at 3410 S. CR 800 West, a cabin on the shore of Thomas Lake, but less than 750 gallons of water was ultimately needed to extinguish the blaze, which was contained to a bathroom and closet.

“When you keep it to a room and contents, it’s a good day,” Madison Township Fire Chief Lee Price told the Banner Graphic.

A neighbor driving past noticed smoke coming from the eaves of the home and called 911.

A box alarm was dropped, with the Madison Township Fire Department, along with Clinton Township, Reelsville and Greencastle, dispatched to the scene at 10:18 a.m.

Madison Township Engine 31 arrived on the scene at 10:38 a.m. and had the fire out as of 10:53.

The home, which belongs to Catherine Lovetta Hamaker and James Berner according to county records, has been under construction, though nobody was at the home at the time of the fire. Additionally, there has not been any work in the immediate area of the fire in a couple of days.

Price said the cause remains under investigation, as there were no electrical sources at the spot of the fire and only regular household items were being stored in the closet.

Price said the Reelsville and Clinton Township departments were sent home once the fire was out, but Madison and Greencastle remained on the scene longer.

Madison Township was back on station at 12:34 p.m.

Putnam County EMS also responded to the scene, though no one was injured.

“Everybody did great,” Price said. “I was quite proud of our department and every department that showed up to assist. It was dealt with very well.”