At approximately 9:40 pm, the Putnam County 911 center received a report from a homeowner who was awakened by their smoke detector alerting them to smoke emanating from the walls. The Lake Carmel Fire Dept. and the Carmel Fire Dept. were subsequently dispatched to the location. Chief Kenny Launzinger arrived to find the residence filled with smoke and a fire within the walls, prompting a request for an additional tanker from the Patterson Fire Dept. Upon arrival, units immediately began addressing the fire by opening up the walls and extinguishing the flames. Crews worked on ventilating the house while the Putnam County Fire Investigation Team determined the cause of the fire.

It is important to emphasize the significance of home safety measures. Every residence should be equipped with functioning smoke alarms placed strategically in sleeping areas, hallways leading to sleeping quarters, basements, and additional levels of the home. Proper installation involves mounting alarms on the ceiling 4” from the wall; wall mounts should be situated 4-12” beneath the ceiling. Avoid placing smoke alarms near draft areas such as windows or vents, and consult your local fire department for guidance on placement if needed.

A useful tip for maintaining smoke alarms is to change the batteries and conduct checks during daylight saving time adjustments, as it occurs twice a year. It is also recommended to prepare and practice an escape plan in the event of a fire, including methods such as crawling low under smoke and establishing a designated meeting spot outside the home.