Five Area Departments Respond to Cromwell House Fire
North Webster Fire Department firefighters inspect the rear of the home, continuing to spray down the blaze. (Photos by Chelsea Los)
CROMWELL — Around 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, Aug. 1, local fire departments began fighting a house fire near the intersection of SR 5 and CR 200N in Cromwell.
Albion Fire Department, Sparta Township Fire Department (Cromwell), Turkey Creek Township Fire Territory (Syracuse), North Webster Fire Department and Perry Township Fire Department (Ligonier) each dispatched equipment and firefighters to the scene, and the departments worked together to keep continuous water on three sides of the home.
Fire officials tore off siding and shattered windows to locate hotspots within the home long after flames were extinguished. The back side of the house sustained extensive damage, including a parked vehicle located beside the home.
Many neighbors stood outside their homes watching the events unfold, and volunteers stepped up to provide ice and water to the exhausted firefighters. Firefighters took turns fighting the blaze and manning the hose, switching off with firefighters from a different department to peel off soaked clothing and drink bottled water.
The blaze has not yet been marked under control by the fire departments.
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- The left front of the home was destroyed by the fire, and firefighters continue to rip out insulation to find hotspots.
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- North Webster firefighters work to combat the fire on the west side of the home.
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- North Webster firefighters work on the rear of the home to prevent flames.
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- Tanker trucks from several departments were on hand, transporting water from downtown Cromwell.
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- Firefighters tear off siding to get to the blaze within.
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- The northern side of the home was covered with melted siding that firefighters peeled off.
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- The destroyed car smolders along the edge of the home while firefighters continue to battle the flames inside.
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- Firefighters work together to keep the hose steady while smoke billows out the top and sides.
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- Firefighters from all departments were able to cool off by stripping off gear and drinking ice water that volunteers provided. After a few minutes of rest, the firefighters would switch off with others.
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- Firefighters take apart their gear and switch out oxygen tanks to prepare for battling the blaze again.
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- This firefighter used the destroyed window to get water closer to the inside of the home.
