Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - A cottage at Papakeechie Lake was destroyed by fire after lightning struck it Monday night.
Syracuse Fire Chief Larry Hunter said he believes lightning struck the rental home of Tara Price, at 9652 N. Circle Drive East, and started the fire.
Hunter said Price and her boyfriend were not home at the time of the fire because they took shelter at another house due to tornado warnings Monday.
When Price arrived home at 9:19 p.m., the house was on fire and she called 911. A neighbor spotted the smoke and also called for help.
About 50 firefighters from Syracuse, North Webster and Cromwell responded to the fire.
Hunter said the fire was knocked down quickly but firefighters stayed at the scene until after 11 p.m.
Damage to the cottage, owned by Sam and Terri Cummick, Auburn, was estimated at $50,000.
Hunter said that area residents reported lightning struck the ground near the house several times shortly before the fire started.
