(La Porte, IN) - A LaPorte man pulled from his home by firefighters Thursday was taken by a medical helicopter to a trauma center.
The fire caused significant damage to the small single-story structure at 1604 K St. LaPorte Fire Chief Andy Snyder said firefighters responding about 11 a.m. encountered heavy smoke and flames. They were also told by neighbors the man still might be inside the house.
Water had just started being applied to the structure when firefighters went in and quickly located the victim.
“We were able to get the individual out within minutes of our arrival,” Snyder said.
Snyder would not disclose the name of the man, his condition or whether he was conscious.
“We will hope for the best for him,” he said.
The man while treated by paramedics was taken by ambulance to nearby La Porte High School and loaded into the helicopter after it landed in the parking lot. Most of the fire damage appeared to be to a carport attached to the home where the fire possibly started.
Brenda Del Real, 21, said her parents had just stepped into the backyard to check on their chickens when they spotted what seemed to be a small, controlled fire in the carport, which was open on both ends. It wasn’t long before they spotted smoke and told her to call 911.
Del Real said she was dialing the number when she heard what sounded like an explosion loud enough to be heard by all of her neighbors. She went outside to see the flames at the house spreading quickly.
“We were all panicking,” said Griselta Montanez-Serrano, 30, who lives across the street in the neighborhood where the homes are close together.
Del Real said she was still outside when firefighters brought the man not moving out of the home.
“It looked like he had ash all over his face. My mom said his leg looked like it was pretty burnt,” she said.
Snyder said it was too early to know what caused the fire. Due to the nature of the blaze, though, Snyder said the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office has been asked to assist with the investigation.
