Two Osawatomie firefighters recently suffered minor injuries when a firefighter fell through a floor while battling a house fire near Fontana. Firefighters from Osawatomie, Fontana, Paola and Louisburg were dispatched to a house fire at 38519 Hedge Lane near Fontana the afternoon of April 10th. Once on scene, firefighters saw smoke showing from the structure. The fire was in the basement, as well as a first-floor bedroom. Miami County Emergency Management Coordinator, Mark Whelan, says the fire started in the basement and smoldered for some time before being discovered by a child returning home from school. The cause of the fire appears to be electrical. Damage to the structure and contents is estimated to be $400,000.
Another fire destroyed a historic barn north of Fontana. The fire happened Thursday night. Firefighters were called to the scene just before midnight. Osawatomie Fire Chief, Aaron Sharp arrived on scene shortly after midnight and reported that the barn, which was built 142 years ago, in 1882, was fully engulfed in flames and partially collapsed. More engines arrived soon after; however, the barn was a complete loss. The cause of the fire appears to be electrical.
