Officials: Fire that killed one person started near portable heater

KOSCUISKO COUNTY, Ind. (WANE)  One person was killed in a house fire at Chapman Lake Wednesday morning. Two others escaped without injuries and ran to a neighbor's to call 911.

Kosciusko County Sheriff’s deputies and five fire departments were called to the home at 2147 Chapman Lake Drive just before 10:30 a.m. That house was fully engulfed and flames were spreading to a home nearby.

According to officials, the fire started in the basement of the home. On Tuesday night, the water lines froze and a portable heater was used in an attempt to thaw the pipes. Firefighters said evidence found at the scene indicates that the fire appears to have started near the portable heater.

The Kosciusko County Coroner’s office located the remains of a body in the rubble Wednesday afternoon. The name of the person who died hasn't been released.

Firefighters said efforts to fight the flames were slightly hampered by the cold and a slight wind that was blowing across Chapman Lake.

The fire remains under investigation.