(La Porte County, IN) - The burning of leaves apparently resulted in a barn catching fire in the Wanatah area just before the start of the weekend.

According to La Porte County Police, emergency responders were called Friday afternoon to the 13000 block of S. 750 West where, upon arrival, the south wall of the roughly 1,500 square foot barn was on fire along with the surrounding grass.  A garden hose was used to put out most of the flames before the arrival of firefighters, who extinguished the rest of the fire.

Kellie Rinker, 44, told investigators she was burning leaves in a fire pit located about 20 feet away from the barn. Rinker said she went inside her house for several minutes then heard what sounded like “glass breaking,” according to police.  She looked outside and discovered the fire had spread to the barn.

The south wall of the barn along with part of the roof were damaged by the fire, police said.