Fire damages 7 houses in Whiting, Indiana
WHITING, Ind. (CBS) -- A large fire broke out in Whiting, Indiana, Monday afternoon, and damaged seven different homes.
The Whiting Fire Department was called for a fire at 1824 Oliver St. at 4:06 p.m. The fire was seen raging with towering flames and smoke.
The fire started in a detached garage, according to the Whiting Fire Department.
One house was severely damaged, and a second sustained moderate damage. Five houses sustained minor damage in the form of melted siding, the fire department said.
Three garages were destroyed by the fire.
A man on the scene suffered burns and was transferred from a local hospital to UChicago Medicine, the fire department said. His condition as of Tuesday was not known.
A pet was also injured and taken to a veterinary hospital.
Two families were displaced by the fire—one living at 1824 Oliver St., the other from a house next door.
Fire Chief Don Harbin said he was grateful to the five fire departments that responded to put out the blaze.
The west side of Oliver Street where the fire broke out is lined with stately Victorian frame houses. The area was historically known as Millionaires' Row, as many of the houses were built for Standard Oil executives, according to the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society.
The School City of Whiting campus—composed of Nathan Hale Elementary School, Whiting Middle School, and Whiting High School—is located across the street.
A fundraiser to help the fire victims is planned. The Whiting-Robertsdale Fire Victims Fund/People Helping People Fundraiser will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The location is St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church Hall, at 2002 Davidson Pl. in Whiting.
The fundraiser will feature live music by 51 Lincoln, food, a bar, raffles, and a bake sale. More information is available by calling 219-201-3248.