COLUMBUS, Ind. – The cause of a Wednesday evening mobile home fire is under investigation after smoke and flames filled a residence at the Candlelight Village Mobile Home Park, leaving four adults displaced and one pet dead. None of the adults was in the home at the time the blaze was discovered and they say they are unsure what could have caused the fire.
The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) was dispatched to 2964 Scotland Dr. at around 8 p.m. While firefighters were responding, Bartholomew County 9-1-1 relayed information that all persons were out of the home but a pet dog was still inside. When crews arrived, they found flames shooting from a window at the rear of the home and heavy dark smoke coming out of the front door.
Firefighters pushed inside the smoke-filled residence and found heavy fire conditions with limited visibility. The fire was brought under control within a few minutes. Crews located a lifeless dog and quickly removed the pet onto the front lawn. Despite resuscitation measures from firefighters and Columbus Regional Health Ambulance Service personnel, the dog perished.
CFD says the homeowner said that no one was in the home at the time of the fire and that all four adults were working outside when they heard a “pop” sound and soon saw smoke. One adult reportedly tried to enter the residence, but smoke forced him to retreat to the exterior.
According to the homeowner, the room where the fire was most intense was being used as a storage area and it also housed the heating and cooling system. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Damage to the home was extensive and firefighters consider it a total loss. No working smoke alarms were found within the home. As a result of the blaze, the four occupants have been displaced. Lodging arrangements for the occupants have been secured.
