Friendship, Indiana – A fallen tree on electrical lines damaged a Friendship home Friday morning, displacing residents on Locust Street.
The Friendship Volunteer Fire Department responded around 11:09 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, after receiving a report of a possible structure fire in the Cross Plains area, according to a department statement.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a tree had fallen onto electrical service lines feeding the home. Officials said the lines were shorting and falling to the ground, prompting concerns from occupants that the house may have caught fire.
Firefighters inspected the structure using a thermal imaging camera, which determined no active fire was present inside the home.
However, the electrical damage and impact from the tree caused significant structural damage, officials said.
The local electric provider, REMC, was notified and disconnected electrical service to the property as a safety precaution.
No injuries were reported.
Fire officials said the family living in the home was displaced and is staying with friends following the incident.
Automatic mutual aid initially brought Versailles Fire Rescue and Ripley County EMS to the call, though both agencies were later disregarded once crews confirmed no fire was burning.
Falling trees on power lines are a common hazard during storms and windy conditions and can quickly trigger fire concerns or electrical risks for nearby homes.
For local commuters, students, and workers traveling through smaller residential streets like Locust Street, emergency responses can briefly affect neighborhood access.
Authorities reminded residents to report downed power lines immediately and avoid approaching them, as they may remain energized.
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