Investigation: Portable Heater Caused Chapman Lake Fire
Posted
Joe Boals-jboals@timesuniononline.com
A fatal Wednesday morning house fire on Chapman Lake Drive appears to have started in the basement, according to a preliminary investigation by the Kosciusko County Fire Investigation Team. The team determined after preliminary interviews that the water lines had frozen Tuesday evening and a portable heater was used in an attempt to thaw the pipes. Evidence found at the fire scene indicated the fire started in close proximity to the portable heater. The two that were renting a portion of the home, now identified as Jenelle McClellan and Chris Grindele, have sought assistance from the American Red Cross, said Kimberly Stout, emergency services director of the Kosciusko County American Red Cross. The two are in need of furniture, clothing and food. McClellan is also eight months pregnant. Those wanting to donate can contact Stout at 574-267-5244. The family in the second house affected by the blaze made full arrangements through their insurance agency. The fire remains under investigation by Squad 70, the county fire investigation team; Kosciusko County Sherriff’s Department; and the Kosciusko County Coroner’s Office. KCSD advises the incident is still under investigation and no further information has been made available nor releases from the Kosciusko County Coroner's Office regarding the confirmation or identification of the body located Wednesday.
