Crime & Safety
South Bend, IN Fire Oct. 12–13: 1 Burned, Dog Killed in House Fire
South Bend, IN – A late night house fire on South Bend's northwest side left one resident with burn injuries requiring air transport to Indianapolis, while firefighters rescued one dog and discovered
By Lena Wood · 2026-10-13T14:00:52.665Z
South Bend, IN – A late night house fire on South Bend's northwest side left one resident with burn injuries requiring air transport to Indianapolis, while firefighters rescued one dog and discovered another dead inside the residence.
According to the South Bend Fire Department , crews were dispatched just before midnight Monday, October 12, to the 1300 block of College Street for a reported residential structure fire.
When firefighters arrived, they encountered an active blaze, with flames coming from the rear of the home and extending into the backyard. Fire conditions were also present inside the residence.
All occupants had escaped before emergency crews arrived.
Firefighters immediately began searching the home and attacking the flames, bringing the fire under control in approximately 40 minutes.
One resident suffered burn injuries and was transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend before being flown to Indianapolis for additional medical treatment.
Authorities did not provide an update on the resident's condition or the extent of the injuries.
During their search, firefighters rescued one dog from the burning residence. A second dog was found deceased.
No additional injuries were reported.
Following the emergency response, fire investigators determined that a generator caused the blaze.
The heat and flames also brought down a nearby power line, creating an additional hazard at the scene.
The department used the incident to remind residents about generator safety, particularly the importance of operating generators outdoors at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents.
Officials also warned against operating generators inside homes or attached garages, even when doors or windows are open.
Generators should be allowed to cool before refueling and kept away from combustible materials.
Residents are also encouraged to maintain working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
The fire department did not release a damage estimate or indicate whether the residence remains habitable.