The home of one of the co-founders of Biomet was destroyed by fire early today as crews worked more than 12 hours to stop the blaze.
Fire crews were called out to Jerry and Norma Ferguson’s 11,000-square-foot home at 5 EMS T35 A Lane, Leesburg, located off Tippecanoe Lake, around 10:06 p.m. Thursday.
According to officials, the origin of the fire was believed to be in the attic of the home on the lake side of the property.
Electrical roof and gutter heaters had been installed on the home, but fire officials were not identifying those as the cause of the fire, pending further investigation.
Firemen were forced to run hoses from the inside of the home into the attic because the home had a tile roof.
Firefighters’ efforts were hampered by snow and cold temperatures.
The Times-Union has learned that about two hours into the fire, a Plain Township firefighter was injured and sent to Fort Wayne to be treated for facial burns.
Fire crews were advised of the fire by an alarm system at the home.
As of this morning, crews from all around Kosciusko County were working to stop the fire. In all, seven crews were called to the scene.
Plain Township Fire Department served as the lead agency while Warsaw, Winona Lake, Milford, North Webster, Syracuse and Pierceton fire crews assisted.
According to county records, construction on the home began in 2009 and was completed in 2011.
The assessed value of the home and property in 2011 was $5,214,700.
