COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) responded to the 2000 block of Sumpter Trail on Tuesday evening after the report of a residential fire.
Firefighters spoke with the homeowner and learned that the fire began when a cardboard box was placed on top of a hot cooking stove inside the home. When the box began to burn, the homeowner removed it from the house into the garage. Hot flames caused the homeowner to drop the box which then ignited materials within the garage.
The homeowner and a neighbor tried to put out the fire with a dry chemical fire extinguisher prior to CFD’s arrival.
After extinguishment, firefighters removed portions of the garage wall and section of the ceiling to confirm that the fire had not extended outside the garage.
Investigators say damages are estimated at $10,000. The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental.