Volunteer crews tackle garage fire Friday

Firefighters perform salvage and overhaul after knocking down a garage fire in Jackson Township Friday.

Banner Graphic/BRAND SELVIA

BARNARD — Volunteer fire crews from multiple departments knocked down a garage fire that occurred in Jackson Township Friday afternoon.

First responders were dispatched shortly before noon for a structure fire reported at 12238 N. CR 800 East. Those on the scene first arrived to the garage fully involved with flames rising about 30-feet high.

With the Roachdale Volunteer Fire Department having command with an engine and a tanker, tankers and manpower came from Russellville, Clinton Township and Floyd Township. The same from volunteers in the North Salem area and Ladoga were also requested. Meanwhile, Putnam County EMS and PMH Ambulance were on standby.

Roachdale Fire Chief Mike Poole detailed that the attack on the fire began on the front of the garage. Hand lines were deployed on both sides as the part with metal roofing collapsed. The garage also had shingle roofing that burned up.

The fire was primarily extinguished within 20 minutes after the initial arrival, after which firefighters performed salvage and overhaul. Command was terminated at about 2 p.m.

The garage is fully involved as personnel arrive on the scene.

Courtesy Roachdale Volunteer Fire Department

Poole noted that the back side of the garage, which contained straw, firewood and tools, was saved in the operation.

While a cause for the fire was not definitive, Poole said that a wood-burning stove attached to the garage still had embers in it.

No injuries were reported. Otherwise, several motorcycles were destroyed in the blaze. Not knowing their value, Poole estimated total damages at $15,000-$20,000 for the garage as a whole.

According to Putnam County GIS, the property on which the garage stood is listed to Samantha Willingham.