The Medaryville Fire Department was called to a garage fire early Sunday morning at 6551 N. 1150 W. in Medaryville. Medaryville Fire Chief, Shaun Hauptli, said that when the firefighters arrived on scene, a massive garage was on fire and it was getting close to the back of the house.
The fire was so large Hauptli said he called for manpower and water assistance from the San Pierre and North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Departments. Water assistance was also requested from Bass Lake, Winamac, Francesville and LaCrosse Fire Departments.
After eight hours on the scene, the fire was extinguished and the garage and home were a complete loss. A small hot spot rekindled in the home’s basement a few hours later, but no further damage was done. The cause of the fire is undetermined. The owner, Mauro Zuniga, did not carry insurance. The Red Cross was called to the scene to help the residents. 20 people lived in the large home that was described as having seven small apartments in it. No injuries were reported at the scene.
