The back of the house at 1813 Hepler Drive sustained heavy damage. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.

Staff Report

WARSAW – A fire pit is believed to have been the source of an overnight fire earlier this week.

Reports of a fire were made shortly before 1 a.m. Wednesday for a blaze at 1813 Hepler Drive on the city’s west side, said Max Kinsey, public information officer for Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory.

It took firefighters more than 30 minutes to get the fire under control.

Investigators believe a fire pit located near a patio started the fire.

Four people were at home at the time and escaped, but a dog inside did not survive.

Kinsey said the house sustained heavy damage and estimated damage to be about $75,000.

WWFT was assisted by fire crews from Leesburg and Winona Lake.

A view of the front of the house. InkFreeNews photo by Dan Spalding.