Barn burns Sunday; house catches fire next

MINSTER - Only days after a barn caught fire on Shelby Road, the home at the same property also caught fire Wednesday and the State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause.

The Minster-Jackson Township Fire Department was called to the house at 3601 East Shelby Road around 9:42 a.m. Wednesday after a hired farm hand reported the fire. The husband and wife who live in the house were not home at the time, according to Minster Fire Chief Richard Prenger.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy fire around the south side of the house. Minster-Jackson Township trucks were joined at scene by those from New Bremen, Fort Loramie, New Knoxville, St. Marys Township and Van Buren. Minster EMS also responded to scene, though Prenger said there had been no injuries of which he was aware.

Prenger said firefighters finally felt comfortable leaving the scene around 5 p.m.

Prenger was uncertain if the house would constitute a total loss or if it could be repaired. The structure is an old brick farmhouse, and he noted such buildings generally are sturdy. Prenger said he could not provide a dollar estimate of the damage.

When asked if the barn fire and house fire were related, he replied that both fires remain under investigation.

Jennifer Jarrell, a spokeswoman for the Division of State Fire Marshal, said investigators reported moderate fire damage and heavy smoke damage to the home. The cause of the house fire is still being investigated, however investigators noted the it seemed to have started in the area of the stove.

The cause of the barn fire that occurred at the same property on Sunday is also under investigation, Jarrell said.

Prenger reported the barn had been divided to store manure, straw and corn fodder. Both the home and the barn were insured, to the best of Prenger's knowledge.

The family is reportedly staying with extended family members.