Fowler home destroyed in fire

FOWLER, Ind. (WLFI) - Four people in Fowler are without a home, victims of the area's latest fire.

It all happened at a home on the corner of Elm and Madison around 5 p.m.

Fowler Fire Chief Bill Burton said when firefighters arrived, the garage of the house was engulfed in flames, which then spread to the center of the home. The fire was so intense, a home next door had damage to its siding and roof.

Firefighters believe the fire started in the garage but they are not sure of a cause at this time.

Firefighters say all four members of the Emilson family were able get out of the house before they arrived.

"The owner was home," said Chief Burton. "He was laying on the couch. He opened the door and it just started  coming through the garage door. It's been a long evening. We will probably be here all night putting out hot spots."

Burton said it took crews more than an hour to get the fire out.
    
Benton Community School Corporation Superintendent Destin Haas said two of the residents are students at the high school, a boy and a girl. He said the corporation will help start a fund in the name of the Emilson family at the Fowler State Bank on Monday.