COLUMBUS, Ind. — A fire in a vacant rental property is under investigation by Columbus firefighters.
Columbus firefighters were sent to 902 Short Wilson St. at about 8:56 p.m. Tuesday and found smoke coming from the eaves of a single story home, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman.
Fearing occupants could possibly be inside the home, firefighters went through the front entrance with a hose line, finding smoke that had banked down about four feet from the ceiling, Wilson said.
Crawling through the living room, firefighters were unable to locate any occupants.
They went through the home and found a bed on fire, and extinguished the flames, Wilson said.
Firefighters determined no one was inside the home. Fire damage to the ceiling above the bed created concern that the fire could have spread to the attic area. An inspection of the attic revealed slight charring to roof joists but no fire extension throughout the void space, Wilson said.
Damage caused by flames were isolated to the bedroom. Smoke damage was visible throughout the home. Damages are estimated at $15,000.
Columbus Fire Department investigators spoke with the property owners at the scene. The property owners told investigators that all of the home’s utility services were still connected. The property owners told fire investigators that the home has been vacant for approximately two weeks.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Agencies that assisted at the scene include the Columbus Police Department, Columbus City Utilities, Duke Energy and Columbus Regional Health EMS. No injuries were reported at the scene.
