Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
LARWILL - One firefighter was killed and three others seriously wounded in a fire early this morning in Larwill.
South Whitley fireman Jeff Sammons, 21, was killed fighting the blaze. Three other firefighters were taken to the burn unit of St. Joseph's Medical Center, Fort Wayne.
The Farmer's Exchange and Tavern on Ind. 5 in Larwill burned to the ground. The fire dispatch reported the call was received at 12:43 a.m. from a neighbor of the business. Fire crews spent several hours trying to contain the blaze.
Larwill Fire Chief Brad Gebert told WPTA-TV in Fort Wayne that authorities believe the firefighter who died may have panicked after entering a congested area of the burning building. Sammons may have pulled off his mask while inside the structure, and it's believed the three men who were injured were trying to save him, Gebert said.
An unnamed witness reported there was a flash that knocked down the four firemen and tore off Sammons' mask.
The injured include Dan Porter, 35, who was listed in critical condition at St. Joe. Doug Kessie, 27, and Preston Bolinger, 48, were listed in serious condition.
All nine township fire departments in Whitley County responded to the call.
Ind. 5 was closed after the fire from U.S. 30 to the intersection of Old Trail Road and Ind. 5 in Larwill. It is expected to be closed most of the day for the fire investigation.
Further details about the fire were being withheld late this morning and a press conference was scheduled for noon today.
