Firefighters from Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory, Plain Township and Winona Lake fire departments responded to a house fire at 515 N. Columbia St., Warsaw, Saturday morning, Nov. 30.

Text and Photos
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Several cats and a rabbit were rescued in a house fire early this morning, Saturday, Nov. 30, on Columbia Street, Warsaw. The occupants of the residence were not at home.

A passing motorist notified 911 dispatchers of a house fire at Perry and Columbia street around 6:48 a.m. Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory, with a full assist from Plain Township and Winona Lake responded.

According to WWFT Battalion Chief Nate Iden, flames were through the roof of the 1 1/2-story home, located at 515 N. Columbia St., when firefighters arrived.There were reports of multiple cats and a rabbit in the residence. One feline was found unresponsive in the residence, but was resuscitated with oxygen by a paramedic. Firefighters also located another cat and a rabbit alive.

The fire was brought under control at approximately 7:35 a.m. Firefighters continued efforts to extinguish the fire in the attic and north side of the home.

It is believed the fire started in the attic area.

Firefighting crews were rotated throughout the morning to continue searching for hot spots.

The home is owned by Jesel Aaron and Jessica E. Sepko according to the county mapping system.

A home to the north, at 517 N. Columbia St., owned by Prudence White, sustained radiant heat damage to the siding.

Several blocks of Columbia Street south of Perry Street were closed during the fire.