UPDATE: Home Destroyed By Fire
SYRACUSE — The cause and origin of the fire at the home of Curtis and Natalie Smeltzer Wednesday morning, May 16, remains undetermined and under investigation by the Turkey Creek Fire Territory.
Turkey Creek Fire Territory responded at 9:11 a.m. to a report of a structure fire at 10469 N. Syracuse-Webster Road. When the first firefighters arrived at the scene, flames were visible.
Initial information to firefighters could not determine if anyone was at the residence, even though it appeared the home was unoccupied. Firefighters conducted a search for occupants, resulting in no one being located inside. Bystanders were able to contact the homeowners who were able to tell authorities no one was believed to be inside the home.
The fire was brought under control and extinguished at 10:18 a.m. with estimated damages to the structure and contents at $80,000.
There were no injuries to firefighters. The last firefighter left the scene at 2:21 p.m.
American Red Cross assisted the homeowners with clothing and provided support for firefighters at the scene.
Turkey Creek Fire Territory was assisted at the scene by personnel and/ or equipment from North Webster Fire Department, Milford Fire Department, Goshen Fire Department, Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department and Kosciusko County Squad 70 Fire Investigation Team. Benton Fire Department was placed on standby for the Turkey Creek Fire Territory.