Family Members Escape Blaze
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
PIERCETON - Five children, including a baby pulled from its crib through a window, escaped injury Thursday morning in a house fire on Sellers Lake.
Pierceton fire officials said that the acts of two teen-age boys were "heroic." Neighbors Josh Heartline and Adam Clark called for the fire department after rescuing the child. The other children and an adult babysitter also got out safely.
The house, owned by Darwin Shepherd and occupied by Dawn Straka, Wendy Kitchen and their three children, was destroyed. It was located at 5907 Woodlawn Lane on Sellers Lake. Three pets - a ferret, a snake and a parrot - perished in the fire.
Pierceton Volunteer Fire Department fought the blaze for about three hours after receiving the call at 10:53 a.m. The firefighters received a full assist from the Sidney Fire Department and tanker assistance from both Winona Lake and North Webster fire departments.
Officials believe the fire started in the living room of the home, but have not yet determined a cause.
The American Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary housing in a local motel and has taken care of emergency food and clothing needs.
Becky Notestine of the Red Cross said that the needs for the women and children are "extensive," but there is nowhere to store any items which might be donated.
"If anyone wants to donate items and can just hold onto them for a couple days until (the families) secure housing, we'll be glad to be the clearinghouse," Notestine said. One of the hardest things about this fire, she said, was when the 5-year-old was picked up from school and learned that his Christmas presents had burned.
In addition to furniture, there is a need for clothing and toys. The children are males ages 5 and 1 and a 2-year-old female.
Anyone wanting to help can call the Red Cross at 267-5244. [[In-content Ad]]
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PIERCETON - Five children, including a baby pulled from its crib through a window, escaped injury Thursday morning in a house fire on Sellers Lake.
Pierceton fire officials said that the acts of two teen-age boys were "heroic." Neighbors Josh Heartline and Adam Clark called for the fire department after rescuing the child. The other children and an adult babysitter also got out safely.
The house, owned by Darwin Shepherd and occupied by Dawn Straka, Wendy Kitchen and their three children, was destroyed. It was located at 5907 Woodlawn Lane on Sellers Lake. Three pets - a ferret, a snake and a parrot - perished in the fire.
Pierceton Volunteer Fire Department fought the blaze for about three hours after receiving the call at 10:53 a.m. The firefighters received a full assist from the Sidney Fire Department and tanker assistance from both Winona Lake and North Webster fire departments.
Officials believe the fire started in the living room of the home, but have not yet determined a cause.
The American Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary housing in a local motel and has taken care of emergency food and clothing needs.
Becky Notestine of the Red Cross said that the needs for the women and children are "extensive," but there is nowhere to store any items which might be donated.
"If anyone wants to donate items and can just hold onto them for a couple days until (the families) secure housing, we'll be glad to be the clearinghouse," Notestine said. One of the hardest things about this fire, she said, was when the 5-year-old was picked up from school and learned that his Christmas presents had burned.
In addition to furniture, there is a need for clothing and toys. The children are males ages 5 and 1 and a 2-year-old female.
Anyone wanting to help can call the Red Cross at 267-5244. [[In-content Ad]]