Fire destroys home on Jasper’s west side

Jasper and Ireland fire departments responded to 1230 Sapphire Drive in Jasper at 1:59 p.m. today for a home engulfed in flames.

A Huntingburg gas employee who also serves as a member of Huntingburg’s Volunteer Fire Department was in the area and noticed the smoke and notified authorities.

According to Jasper Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang, no one was home at the time the fire occurred. He said firefighters did rescue a dog in the residence and another dog and cat exited the home on their own. One of the family’s cats is missing at this time.

The home belongs to Chip and Kathy Kugler and is considered a total loss.

Hochgesang said the fire is currently listed as accidental in nature. A representative from the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s office is expected to be on scene Friday for the investigation.

Jasper responded with five trucks including a ladder truck. The Ireland and Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Departments both sent tankers that had to refill several times as firefighters fought hot spots through the afternoon.

Jasper sent 35 firefighters to the scene. Ireland and Otwell (Jefferson Township) sent about 12 firefighters to the scene. Jasper Police Department provided traffic direction in the neighborhood during the process and Memorial Hospital Emergency Medical Services weas on standby at the scene while firefighters were battling the blaze.

Donations of clothing are being sought in the following sizes.

Women’s medium clothing, size 8 shoes, and men’s medium clothing, size 8.5 shoes. Gift cards to stores for needed items such as Wal-Mart, grocery stores, clothing stores, etc. would also be appreciated. Items may be dropped off at the F.C. Tucker real estate office at 901 Newton St., in Jasper, which is diagonally across the intersection from Jasper Vac-N-Sew.

A GoFundMe.com page has also been established to collect monetary donations. https://www.gofundme.com/wj4zn46x