Fire deemed accidental, electrical-related

An investigation into a house fire in Birdseye involving the death of an 18-year-old has been determined to be accidental and related to an electrical issue according to Indiana State Fire Marshal’s office.

Austyn Walburn, 18, of Petersburg, was found inside the home after firefighters arrived on scene of the Memorial Day fire.

According to Birdseye Volunteer Fire Department Chief David Smith, Dubois County 9-1-1 received a call regarding a fire at the home located at the corner of Cherry and Second Streets at about 8:43 p.m. When firefighters arrived, the house was engulfed in flames.

Firefighters entered the home to retrieve Walburn after being notified someone may be inside. He was pronounced dead at Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center. There were no other occupants of the home.

Smith said 17 firefighters and four trucks responded and were on scene until 12:34 a.m. Smith said the fire damaged the house and an attached garage and porch/shed extensively.

A fund has been set up to assist the family with funeral expenses though gofundme.com. A fund has also been set up at German American Bank in Petersburg in the name of Austyn Walburn/Kim Willet.