CLAYPOOL - The investigation of a fire that occurred Feb. 2 at a Packerton Road residence has been concluded.
The home at 8485 S. Packerton Road, Claypool, is owned by Richard Reynolds.
According to assistant chief of the fire investigation team of Kosciusko County Gordon Baker, what made the fire suspicious in nature was the fact that it burned quickly and at a very high temperature. It began in the kitchen area, but no cause has yet been determined.
Investigators found an liquid propane gas cylinder outside the residence that raised the question that perhaps the fire was related to the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Tests on the cylinder conducted by the Indiana State Police Clandestine drug unit returned what is called a false positive, making it undetermined that any illegal activity related to methamphetamine might have been occurring.
"Based on the severity of the fire and extreme amount of damage, coupled with the lack of physical evidence at the fire scene, the fire is being ruled undetermined at this time," said Baker. "The investigation will remain open in the event any new information or evidence is discovered."
Fire departments from Sidney, and Claypool were at the scene, and were assisted by the Winona Lake Police Department and the Kosciusko County Drug Task Force.
