July 18, 1985

Mobile home destroyed by blaze

       A mobile home was destroyed Sunday afternoon in a fire at the Friendly Village Trailer Park in White River Township.  Two firefighters were slightly injured in the blaze.  Fire Chief Howard Bennis said the fire is under investigation, but is believed to have been caused by a leak from a gasoline camper stove inside the trailer.  The home, owned by Marie Kissner of Indianapolis, was occupied by Penny Dearing and Gary Ringham.  It was insured.  Firefighter Bob Wehrman was treated at the scene of the fire for smoke inhalation and a burn on his right ear, Bennis said.  Pat McDaniel was treated at University Heights Hospital for smoke inhalation and later released.

         Bennis said his department received the initial call at 1:39 p.m. Sunday.  But he said there may have been up to a five minute delay in the response, since the fire was originally reported to 911 in Indianapolis.  When that happens, he said, “There is always an estimated five minute delay” as 911 dispatchers attempt to connect the call to the appropriate place.  If the White River Township Fire Department had received the original call, Bennis said, “We might have been able to save part of (the trailer).”  McDaniel, who is also the executive director of the Red Cross, said the organization is temporarily providing a motel room for Dearing and Ringham in Greenwood, but she said they needed clothing, because everything was lost in the fire.  See related stories HERE and HERE.
 
 

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