Family escapes house fire Friday night

Fire crews battle a blaze Friday night. Family members were able to get to safety.

A Clay County firefighter and his family escaped "with nothing but the clothes on their backs" when their home caught fire Friday night, according to Dick Johnson Volunteer Fire Department Chief Kevin Orme.

"It went up just that fast," he said. "They lost absolutely everything."

Tony Dove, a Dick Johnson Township volunteer firefighter, called 9-1-1 at 9:48 p.m. to report the fire at 9356 N. CR 500W, Orme said.

The cause of the blaze has not been determined, however a propane gas leak is suspected.

Firefighters from Dick Johnson and Posey Township in Clay County, and Seelyville and Nevins Township in Vigo County were on the scene until 2:08 a.m. Saturday. Dick Johnson firefighters returned to the scene Saturday "to put out hot spots," Orme said.

Other agencies responding included TransCare Ambulance and Duke Energy. The local American Red Cross chapter also responded with assistance to the family.