Updated: Family Escapes Early Morning Residence/Barn Fire on Todd Lane

HELTONVILLE - (December 1, 2021) - A family escaped an early morning fire from their residence that also served as a barn. The residence was located at 1148 of Todd Lane.

The call came in Lawrence County Central dispatch at approximately 1:00 a.m. that sent firefighters from both Lawrence and Jackson Counties to the scene.

The residence was occupied by Hunter Hamilton and Bret Roberts. Hamiliton suffered minor burns to his hands and feet, and smoke inhalation.

Hunter went to a local hospital to be checked out.

The couple lost everything in the fire.

(A firefighter waits for water supply to get reestablished before fighting the early morning fire on Todd Lane)

The barn was fully-involved when fire crews from the Pleasant Run Township Volunteer Fire Department arrived.

Fire Chief Chad Hillenburg then requested additional tankers from Shawswick, Oolitic, Marshall, and Marion Townships in Lawrence County, and Owen/Salt Creek Township Volunteer Fire Departments to the scene.

(Several gallons of water were used to battle the fire on Todd Lane)

" We had a total of 15 fire apparatus from the six fire departments that were dispatched to fire scene," said Chad Hillenburg Fire Chief Pleasant Run Twp. Volunteer Fire Department.

Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading into a near-by garage that stored farm equipment and vehicles.

(Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading into a near-by garage)

Due to the lack of fire hydrants in the area the water was shuttled in using a dump tank to battle the fire.

As of 3:00 a.m. fire crews were still on the scene, and two ambulance crews from both IU Lifeline Ambulance and Seals Ambulance Service responded to the fire.

The cause of the fire is not known at this time.

This would make the second large fire in Lawrence County this week, with a fire on Bryantsville Road sent eight fire departments from Lawrence and Orange County to battle that fire.

Firefighters encourage residents to take fire prevention measures in this winter season, following manufacturer recommendations for heating.

Always make sure your home has smoke detectors. All families should have a plan to get out of the home.