ANGOLA, IN - The Angola Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a residential fire at 419 North Martha Street just before 9 a.m. Sunday Morning.

First fire units on the scene reportedly found smoke coming from the front and back second story windows. Angola Fire Chief T.R. Hagerty said “crews made an interior attack with a quick knock down of the fire on the second floor”. He said all the fire damage was confined to the room of origin, but there was also heavy smoke damage throughout the second floor and water damage on the first floor.

According to a statement from Chief Hagerty, the home occupant, identified as Courtney Traster, escaped without injury. Hagerty also said firefighters were able to rescue several cats that were in the residence.

Initial damages to the home are estimated to be 50-thousand dollars. Hagerty reported the fire appears to be accidental due to a space heater which was too close to combustibles; however, a routine investigation will be conducted.

The time of dispatch was 8:51 a.m. Crews were on scene by 8:52 a.m. and had the blaze under control by 9:20 a.m. Crews were back in service by 10:28 a.m.

The Angola Fire Department was assisted at the scene by departments from Fremont and Steuben Township. Also assisting on scene was Angola City Police, Indiana State Police, NIPSCO, and Steuben County EMS. The Hamilton Fire Department stood by the Angola Fire Station during the incident. The Ashley-Hudson Fire Department was called, but was canceled while responding.