Home destroyed

A fire destroyed a rural Ridgeville home Sunday afternoon.

Flames started on the porch at 1620 W. 850 North and spread throughout the rest of the home, fully engulfing the structure along with its attached garage and two vehicles.

A liquid propane tank also exploded at the property.

Saratoga-Ward Township Fire Department responded to the call at 3:33 p.m. Sunday. Several other fire departments from Jay and Randolph counties — they included fire departments based out of Portland, Redkey, Salamonia, Ridgeville, Union City, Farmland, Winchester, White River Township and Liberty Township — and emergency medical services also assisted at the scene. Firefighters spent almost seven hours at the house, which was totally destroyed.

Saratoga-Ward Township Fire Department Fire Chief Steve Martin pointed out hot weather Sunday, when the temperature rose to 91 degrees in the afternoon and evening. He noted firefighters took turns combatting the fire and staying hydrated amid the high heat.

The occupants of the house — their names were not released to The Commercial Review as of press time — made it out safely. The property is owned by Joyce and William Caylor, according to Randolph County’s Global Information System.

Officials are still looking into the cause of the fire. Martin said the case is being investigated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal.