A recent fire outside LaPorte caused tens of thousands of dollars in losses.

Last Wednesday, Center Township firefighters were called to 772 W. 350 North.

Police say James Ross, Jr. was working on a BMW and using a kerosene heater to heat

the barn he was working in.

The heater near the car began smoking and caught the floor on fire.

The flames quickly spread.

Police say the BMW was a total loss.

Also destroyed or heavily damaged was another car worth more than 30 thousand dollars.

Other losses including about 30 thousand dollars in tools.

Firefighters credited a quick response for preventing further damage.