Knightstown, IN – A Good Samaritan is being credited for saving lives early Thursday after a fire broke out at a home in the 450 block of North Washington Street in Knightstown.
According to the Knightstown Wayne Township Fire Department, crews were dispatched around 7:16 a.m. after a passerby reported heavy smoke coming from the two-story residence. When Engine 21 arrived minutes later, flames and smoke were visible from all sides of the structure.
Officials said the passerby had already alerted the family inside, allowing one occupant to escape safely. Two other residents were not home at the time. Firefighters quickly placed water on the blaze, bringing it under control by 8:30 a.m. and fully extinguishing it at 9:01 a.m.
One person was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and later released by EMS. No firefighter injuries were reported, but three residents were displaced. The Red Cross has been requested to assist the family.
The cause remains under investigation, though it is believed to be electrical in nature, fire officials said. Crews from several nearby departments—including Dunreith, Spiceland, Shirley, Charlottesville, and Carthage—assisted in the response, along with New Castle EMS and Knightstown Police.
Firefighters reminded residents to check smoke alarms regularly and praised the passerby for their quick actions that helped avert tragedy.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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