Quick response from the North Webster Fire Department saved a summer cottage at 7 EMS B33A Ln. on Little Barbee Lake.

At about 7:45 p.m. Saturday, firefighters were called to the single story cottage where smoke and flames were seen coming from the residence. NWFD Chief Jeremy Likens said, despite the snow and tight quarters where the cottage is located, the firefighters were quickly able to control and extinguish the fire, which resulted in minimal smoke and water damage.

Likens said the fire was contained to the kitchen area of the residence. The county’s fire investigation team was called to the scene and returned today to determine the cause of the blaze. Gordon Baker, chief investigator for Squad 70, said the fire started in the kitchen from a portable space heater that was being used to thaw pipes.

According to county records, the cottage is owned by James Hodson of Middletown, Ind.

The NWFD was assisted with a tanker from Leesburg/Plain Township Fire Department. No injuries were reported.