The White River Township Fire Department responded to Birch Lane on a residence fire at approximately 11:00am earlier today.  When firefighters arrived, the occupants were already evacuating the residence and telling firefighters that there was a fire in the basement near a fish tank.  When firefighters entered the front door they found moderate smoke throughout the house.  Firefighters immediately went to the basement where the smoke was extremely heavy and found a small fire behind the fish tank spreading to the wall and ceiling above.  The fire was however extinguished quickly.  Firefighters had to do some overhaul of the basement area and most of the damage was limited to the surrounding wall, ceiling, and the fish tank itself.  There was minor to moderate smoke damage throughout the rest of the home.  The occupant and her granddaughter were the only people at the residence along with some small animals. The occupants were checked out medically on the scene for smoke inhalation and released.  All of the animals were accounted for including some birds and cats.  The fish in the fish tank were also saved with the exception of a couple of fish.  Damage is estimated to be approximately $10,000.  Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be an over-heated extension cord used for the heater and lights for the fish tank.  "The equipment was pulling more power than the extension cord could handle", said Fire Investigator Nick Smith.  The occupants have a place to stay until the insurance company can get the house repaired.  Smoke detectors were present and working in the home at the time of the fire.  Story by James Engmark, Battalion Chief, C-Shift

  
(Click on a thumbnail to enlarge photo)