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(Video by Alyssa Richardson)

Firefighters tend to a fire at 124 S. Sherman St., Warsaw. (Photo by Alyssa Richardson)

Kosciusko Red Cross volunteers assisted a family of 12 who were affected by a house fire at Sherman and Market streets in Warsaw yesterday afternoon.

The family, which includes 6 children, received assistance with shelter, food, clothing, bedding and items for a baby.

According to Warsaw-Wayne Fire Chief Mike Brubaker, the fire began at 12:54 in a bedroom located in the second story of the home. Brubaker stated that it is currently unknown how the fire began. The blaze was officially put out at 1:45 p.m.

Damages to the home are currently approximated at $30,000 for structure damages and $20,000 in content within the home. Brubaker noted that the fire spread from the upstairs bedroom and into the walls and roof of the structure.

The home, according to Brubaker, is “on the edge of being a loss.” He stated the home might be able to be saved with some work, however, damages did get into the outer wall and there is smoke damage throughout the home.

Firefighters from Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory and Winona Lake Fire Department on scene with Claypool Fire Department held on standby.

Two individuals in the house initially refused to leave, but those individuals did get out with some assistance.

The home is owned by Johnny Ray and Rita Brown.

Officers from the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, Warsaw Police Department and Multi-Township EMS also responded to the scene.