Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - Wednesday's house fire that left one woman dead was accidental, according to fire officials. Syracuse Fire Department Chief Larry Hunter said Friday that the fire was being ruled an accidental electrical fire and that the blaze started in the bedroom in which 64-year-old Martha A. Lewallen's body was found.
A neighbor spotted the fire at 9814 N. CR 500E, near Syracuse, and called 911 at 7:37 a.m. Wednesday to report the fire. At that time, it was believed at least one person was inside. Lewallen's husband,
Charles, was not immediately located, but officials were told by family members that the vehicle he usually drives was not at the residence.
Authorities located Charles Lewallen several hours after the fire was discovered.
Firefighters were on the scene the day of the fire for more than seven hours. Milford and North Webster fire departments assisted in extinguishing the blaze and the State Fire Marshal's Office and the
Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department assisted in the investigation.
The residence was destroyed by the fire.
The case is considered closed, Hunter said.
