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One dead in Van Bibber Lake fire
VAN BIBBER LAKE — One is dead in a residential fire that occurred in Van Bibber Lake on Wednesday.
The deceased was confirmed as Carol Haney, 71.
A box alarm was dropped at about 10:05 a.m. for a structure fire at 1047 Van Bibber Lake Estates. With Chief Mike Poole of the Roachdale Volunteer Fire Department coming behind, the home and adjacent garage were involved as the Greencastle Fire Department arrived.
With structures in the immediate vicinity threatened, a second box alarm was dropped at about 10:20 a.m. Personnel from Roachdale VFD and the Bainbridge, Russellville and Madison Township volunteers, as well the Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department, responded as such.
Putnam County EMS, PMH Ambulance and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office were also at the scene, while Putnam County CERT assisted with rehab needs.
With hydrants established, firefighters began their attack at the north side of the garage and south side of the residence. They moved to the side of a bedroom after it was confirmed that someone was inside. Entry into the residence was not made due to the extreme heat.
Multiple handlines were deployed as crews arrived and got at all sides. The deck gun from Greencastle Fire’s engine was also utilized at one point.
Due to a strong northward wind, the south siding of a residence next to the original one also caught. Firefighters quickly knocked this fire down as they took off the siding, though some holes were burned into the wall.
The fire was reported as mostly out by 11:25 a.m., after which firefighters extinguished several hot spots as overhaul was conducted. Command was terminated at about 1:40 p.m. after some units were released.
No injuries to personnel were reported in the response.
“Everybody did a really great job,” Poole said as to firefighters’ efforts as a whole. “We had a lot of great firefighters here.”
While the Putnam County Coroner’s Office was called, the American Red Cross was also requested to assist the deceased’s family.
The Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department was later called for a small flare-up at about 4:45 p.m. Clinton Township VFD and Greencastle Fire then went back about 9:35 p.m. and tackled another fire that involved part of the residence. A box alarm was called for the latter but then struck.
The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office was requested to investigate the initial fire. As such, its cause and origin were not determined at the scene.