SYRACUSE – Chickens, dogs and cats are believed to have perished in a barn fire in Syracuse Wednesday night, but no humans were hurt. Turkey Creek Fire Territory in Syracuse responded to a report of a barn fire Wednesday night at 11639 N. Ind. 13. A neighbor called 911 to report the fire at 4:59 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found the structure was engulfed with fire, according to a provided press release. The barn, on Lakeland Animal Clinic property, is owned by Dr. Richard Brungardt and apartments in the southeast corner were occupied by Jackie Hawkins, James Hawkins and Greg Dvorak. All occupants exited the structure prior to the fire department’s arrival, with no injuries reported. There were reports of chickens, cats and a dog inside of the structure. Several of the animals had exited the structure. Firefighters were unable to enter the structure due to the intensity of the fire. There were 40 chickens, eight cats and a dog that are believed to have perished in the fire, according to the release. Several pieces of motorized equipment were located inside of the structure, along with several bales of hay. The fire was brought under control at 6:08 p.m. Firefighters remained on the scene until 10:06 p.m. Mutual aid was requested and received from the Benton Township Fire Department, the Milford Fire Department and the North Webster Fire Department. There were a total of 50 firefighters from four departments battling the fire and shuttling water to the scene, the release states. There were no injuries to firefighters at the scene. EMS standby was provided by the Turkey Creek Fire Territory EMS and the North Webster EMS. The American Red Cross was called in to assist the occupants of the structure and provide assistance to the firefighters at the scene. Kosciusko County Squad 70 Investigation Team was called in to assist with the investigation of the cause and origin of the fire. At this time, the cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation. Estimated loss to the building and contents is between $70,000 and $80,000.
