South Bend, IN – Firefighters rushed to a home on Lincoln Way West late Thursday after a caller reported that a house had exploded, but crews arriving at the scene determined there was no explosion and instead discovered an active fire inside the residence.
According to the South Bend Fire Department, crews were dispatched shortly before 11:30 p.m. Thursday to the 2800 block of Lincoln Way West following the report of a possible house explosion.
When firefighters arrived, they determined an explosion had not occurred. However, crews found a working fire burning in the home’s living room.
Firefighters immediately began searching the residence while other crews attacked the flames, the department said. The fire was quickly brought under control before officials reported any injuries.
Nobody was inside the home when the fire occurred, according to the department. No firefighters were injured during the response.
The late-night incident occurred along Lincoln Way West in South Bend, part of St. Joseph County and the greater South Bend area. The initial report of an explosion prompted an emergency response, though officials have since clarified that the incident was a structure fire.
Officials did not immediately provide an estimate of damage to the residence or indicate whether the home remained habitable following the fire.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. No additional information about what may have started the living room fire was immediately released.
Residents traveling near the scene should remain cautious around any emergency personnel or equipment that may remain in the area as investigators examine the property.
