click here WNLP photo and information by Mike Kellems
A quick response by a passerby and the Scipio Township Fire Department helped to save a century-plus-old barn on Forrester Road Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 9, 2019. Shortly before 4:30 p.m., the passerby noticed smoke coming from the historic barn near the intersection of Forrester Road and CR 100 South.
The passerby used a fire extinguisher to contain the fire until Scipio Township firefighters arrived. Once firefighters entered the barn, they quickly extinguished the fire, which was contained to a portion of a large door frame on the north side of the barn.
The official cause of the fire was unknown; however, an electrical issue is suspected.
The barn and the residence at the property, which date back to the mid-1800s, have recently been renovated. After their quick work, firefighters assured us that the barn should be around for decades to come.
In addition to the passerby and Scipio Township FD, other responding units were Westville FD, LaPorte County EMS and the LaPorte County Sheriff’s Department.
Diane Humphrey
Jan 10. 2019
Thank God for the caring & brave passerby & the firemen who worked to save this county treasure. Congratulation and thank you for a job well done.
jason
Jan 11. 2019
The person who stopped and acted should be recognized. Nice job!
Debbie schell
Jan 11. 2019
He doesn’t want any recognition but it was Jeff Jentzen He was a volunteer fire fighter for 13 years.