COLUMBUS, Ind. — A family dog escaped a burning Columbus home with the help of a Columbus police officer and a Bartholomew County Sheriff deputy as firefighters prepared to battle flames in the 5100 block of Yellowwood Drive. A quick fire attack put out the fire and now Columbus Fire Department fire investigators are working to identify a cause.
Columbus Firefighters were called to Yellowwood Drive at approximately 12:16 p.m. Tuesday after a neighbor reported smoke coming from a home, said Capt. Mike Wilson, Columbus Fire Department spokesman. When firefighters arrived on the scene, firefighters met with Columbus police officer Jacob Driver who shared that a Husky dog was let out when firefighters entered the home and to protect the dog, he and Sheriff’s Office Lt. Andrew Dougan secured the dog and moved it to a nearly patrol vehicle, Wilson said. The dog was not injured and did not injure the officers.
Neighbors at the scene said that the residents were not at home when police and fire began to work on the scene. Firefighters saw a large volume of smoke as they prepared to enter the home. Once inside, firefighters encountered fire within the living space and attic space and quickly brought the blaze under control. Other firefighters searched the home and confirmed that the residence was not occupied.
Fire investigators are working to identify the cause of the fire. Damage to the home’s living space, attic and roof structures will likely result in the occupant’s displacement from the residence. No monetary damage assessment was provided during the early stage of the investigation. Investigators made contact the owner of the home and are working with the owner as part of the fire investigation as well as addressing an emergency shelter needs assessment.
No injuries were reported at the scene. Agencies that assisted at the scene include the Columbus Police Department, Columbus Regional Health Emergency Medical Services, Columbus Township Fire and Rescue, CenterPoint Energy, Duke Energy and the Bartholomew County Emergency Operations 911 Dispatch Center.
