A blaze that engulfed a detached garage and threatened a nearby duplex at 3675 Diane Ln. was successfully contained by Lebanon Fire companies, with assistance from several area fire departments. The incident, which occurred yesterday at around 4:57 p.m., required coordinated effort from multiple agencies to subdue the flames.
According to a Facebook post by the City of Lebanon Fire Department, the first responders discovered significant structural complications during their initial attempt to enter the duplex, including a hole in the floor. Upon confirming with the building owner that the duplex was unoccupied, responders opted for defensive measures to manage the situation. The fire, which was later determined to have started accidentally due to an unattended open burn, was brought under control within an hour.
White town Fire Department crews were the first to reach the scene, swiftly embarking on offensive fire operations. Despite the challenges posed by the poor state of the duplex, firefighters effectively prevented the fire from extending beyond the soffit and sections of the attic and living area closest to the garage.
While the investigation by Lebanon Fire Department concluded the cause to be accidental, the incident serves as a potent reminder of the dangers posed by open burns. Assisting the Lebanon firefighters in their operations to quash the conflagration were several agencies, including Whitestown Fire Department, Center Township Fire Department, Zionsville Fire Department, Perry Township Fire Department, Boone County EMS, Lebanon Police Department, and Boone County Communications.
Crews remained diligent on site following the fire's control at 5:43 p.m., working through the wreckage to ensure no embers were left smoldering. Safety and thoroughness remained a priority as Lebanon Fire Department's investigation wrapped up, marking the close of this harrowing event and luckily reporting no injuries.
