The home at 6028 E. Searfoss Drive, Syracuse, was quickly destroyed by fire Tuesday afternoon, June 14. Four fire departments responded with manpower to frequently switch out firefighters at the scene.

News Release

SYRACUSE — Turkey Creek Fire Territory responded to a report of a structure fire by a passerby at 6028 E. Searfoss Dr., Syracuse, at approximately 1:30 p.m. Tuesday,  June 14.

The first firefighter arrived on scene at 1:31 p.m. and everyone was reported to be outside of the structure. It was reported one occupant had been inside of the structure at the time of the fire and had been evacuated from the structure by nearby family members prior to fire department arrival with no injury reported.

The structure belongs to Robert and Paula Searfoss. The structure, as well as a 2011 Hyundai Sonata and a 2007 Jeep Liberty that were in the garage at the time of the fire, were a total loss. A nearby 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 belonging to the homeowner, as well as another nearby structure owned by Deborah Grothaus at 6048 E. Searfoss Dr., were damaged due to radiant heat from the fire. Damages are estimated at up to $300,000. as a result of the fire.

The Turkey Creek Fire Territory was assisted at the scene with additional manpower and equipment by the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory, the Benton Township Fire Department, the Milford Fire Department and the Syracuse Police Department.

Bystanders at the scene assisted the firefighters with water and the American Red Cross was called in to assist firefighters with water at the scene due to the extreme heat conditions.

One firefighter was treated at the scene for heat exhaustion and transported to the hospital. The firefighter was released from the hospital later in the evening. There were no other injuries reported at the scene.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.