House fire in Beech Grove area destroyed home and children's Christmas gifts. Fundraiser planned

At 8:52 am the Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire near the end of CR 150. Arriving units found a single wide mobile home with a wood framed add on heavily engulfed in fire.

Firefighters quickly went to work attacking the fire from the interior of the home as well as the rear of the mobile home, where the add on was located. Heavy fire conditions were encountered, however the initial fire attack stopped the spread of the fire within a short time.

The add on was a total loss. The mobile home suffered extensive fire damage to the center portion along with smoke damage throughout.

The homeowner reported she had built a fire in a wood heater early this morning and left to take her 6 and 8 year old sons to school. When she returned she found heavy fire engulfing the rear add on, spreading to the mobile home. She reported two dogs were in the house, one she was able to locate and save but she could not find the other.

Firefighters did find the remains of the second dog.

The fire started at the wood heater. Exact cause is still undetermined, but thought to be accidental.

The young family who lived here had no insurance. The husband works out of town and the wife is self employed. She remarked that all of their Christmas presents had been purchased and were under their tree.

Beech Grove Fire Chief James Gunter said, "The family are members of the Beech Grove Baptist Church. We are teaming up with the church to have a fundraiser for the family this Saturday, December 16th at the church. More details to follow soon!"

BGVFD responded with an engine, 2 tankers, and 7 firefighters. Gunter closed by saying, "We also requested aid from the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department and the Jasper Volunteer Fire Department. Many thanks to both for the assistance."

All pictures are courtesy of Paul Rutledge with TCVFD.