Woman died in fire on Christmas

A woman died after the structure she was in at Oakwood Manufactured Home Community caught on fire Christmas Day.

Authorities are withholding the name of the deceased until they can positively identify her.

Portland Fire Department responded about 4:40 a.m. Wednesday to a fire at 1237 N. U.S. 27, Portland. The structure was completely engulfed in flames when responders arrived, said Portland Fire Chief Mike Weitzel.

According to a release from Portland Fire Department, firefighters entered the burning structure to fight the fire from inside. While attempting to suppress the flames, they noticed most of the flooring had been burned away.

The deceased woman was found in the main living area of the structure. Jay County coroner Michael Brewster said an autopsy on the woman’s remains has been scheduled for Monday.

The structure was destroyed in the fire.

Weitzel said Thursday morning the cause of the fire remains under investigation, pointing out it may be difficult to pinpoint the cause because of the amount of damage sustained.

Fifteen Portland firefighters responded with three fire trucks. Bryant Volunteer Fire Department also helped fight the flames. Jay County Sheriff’s Office, Jay Emergency Medical Service, Jay County Coroner’s Office and Portland Police Department responded, with representatives from Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office and Indiana Department of Homeland Security arriving later Christmas morning. 

Emergency personnel stayed on scene for nearly five hours, with the last responders leaving just after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.