COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) responded to 6118 Pelican Lane in Tiption Lakes just before 3 p.m. on Tuesday after a neighbor saw smoke coming from the home and called 9-1-1.
Firefighters reported smoke from the garage and the eaves surrounding the residence when they arrived.
The homeowners were not there but returned just as CFD was preparing to enter the smoke-filled house. They told fire crews that two pet cats were inside.
When firefighters entered the home, they encountered high heat and heavy smoke conditions with no visibility. Using a thermal imaging camera, they found an area where small flames were located and quickly extinguished them.
A search crew located the two pets inside the home, one of which was dead from smoke inhalation. The rescued cat was taken to a Columbus Regional Health ambulance for oxygen. Following care, it was reunited with the homeowners and is expected to recover.
The blaze caused extensive damage to the home. Firefighters found locations in the house where plastic furnishings had melted and wooden cabinets blistered due to the extreme heat. Smoke damage was also visible throughout the residence.
CFD investigators inspected the home and believe the fire’s origin has been identified. The investigation into the exact cause is ongoing.
The property’s damage estimate is expected to exceed $150,000 for the building and contents. The property owner declined a need for emergency housing services.
