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Apartments in Warsaw and near North Webster sustained damage from fires early today.
Firefighters were called to Kuder Estates at 2:49 a.m., where two balconies were reportedly on fire. The fire apparently started on a third-floor balcony of the 20-unit apartment building off CR 100E, and burning debris dropped to the balcony below, igniting a fire there.
Warsaw fire officials said the occupant of the second-floor apartment, Mercury Pappas, was awakened by his dog and discovered the fire. Pappas then went door-to-door alerting other residents and attempted to extinguish the fires on both floors using a portable fire extinguisher. The fire originated on the balcony of a unit rented by Carne Timmons. Firefighters helped evacuate the building.
The fire damage was on the balconies, siding and into the attic, and about six units sustained smoke damage. A cause for the fire has not yet been determined. The damage estimate is $25,000.
No injuries were reported at either the Kuder Estates fire or a 4:30 a.m. fire at apartments on Barbee Lake near North Webster.
North Webster Fire Department was called to the fire at 62 EMS B3A Lane and found that the structure fully engulfed. Fire officials there said one of the burning apartments was destroyed. All of the occupants were outside when fire crews arrived.
North Webster firefighters, with assistance from Pierceton Fire Department, were on the scene for about four hours.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but it is believed to have started in a bedroom of one of the units. A damage estimate was not available.
