Warsaw Fire Chief Mike Brubaker tells StaceyPageOnline.com that a roofing contractor using a torch sparked a blaze that has destroyed a Warsaw home.

Warsaw and Winona Lake fire departments were called to a fire at 316 W. Fort Wayne St., in Warsaw, at approximately 4 p.m. today.

Brubaker says Cochran Roofing was hired by the homeowner to do some roof work. The contractor was apparently using a torch on some rubber roofing when the fire started. He did attempt to put out the flames, but it quickly spread.  All occupants of the house were able to safely evacuate.

West Fort Wayne is closed at this time while crews work to extinguish the blaze.

The Red Cross provided the family with shelter and financial assistance to replace lost clothing, food and other basic needs.

Kimberly Stout, American Red Cross Emergency Services Director, said, “We are so grateful we are able to provide fire victims with the basic essentials they need so they can move forward in dealing with such a loss.”

The Red Cross has provided for the basic needs of this family.  If you would like to help this family or provide for future disaster assistance please call the Kosciusko County Chapter of the Red Cross at 574.267.5244.  All the assistance provided after local fires comes from community support for the Red Cross services in Kosciusko County.