A fire that started in a shed in Fortville tore through two nearby homes Thursday afternoon, leaving both with heavy damage before crews from six different agencies could bring it under control. The blaze was reported around 3:17 p.m., and firefighters arriving on scene found heavy fire pouring from one of the homes as it spread from the original shed.
The fire was initially reported as a shed fire, according to the Vernon Township Fire Department, before it jumped to the structures nearby, as reported by WTHR. Firefighters found heavy fire coming from one home as the flames continued to spread to a nearby residence, and both homes ultimately suffered heavy damage.
Evacuation and Animal Rescue Amid the Flames
As crews worked to contain the fire, firefighters were ordered to evacuate one structure as a precaution, the outlet's report notes. Animals were safely removed from the homes during the response, and despite the scale of the damage, the available evidence indicates the fire caused no injuries to people.
The response required significant mutual aid, with six agencies assisting at the fire scene, including crews from Fishers, South Madison and Greenfield. The multi-agency effort reflects how quickly the fire moved once it left the shed and reached the two homes.
Cause Still Under Investigation
Fire investigators are investigating the cause of the fire, and according to those investigators, the homeowners had insurance coverage. No further details on the fire's origin have been released as the investigation continues.
Shed fires spreading to nearby structures have turned up elsewhere in recent days. A shed fire in Citrus County, Florida, spread to a nearby mobile home, boat and pickup truck, according to WFLA, while firefighters near Peshtigo, Wisconsin, worked to save homes after a shed fire spread through a wooded area, per WBAY. In Hazard, Kentucky, a house fire spread to three homes overnight Wednesday and forced one person to jump from a second story to escape, according to WKYT.
