The first call for the newly established Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory was at Alfano’s Pier and Lift, 8041 E. CR 400N, Leesburg, south of North Webster, early Saturday morning.
The Tippecanoe Township Advisory Board and the North Webster Town Council approved the formation of the fire territory in 2021, to begin Jan. 1, 2022.
Fire Territory Deputy Chief Cody Manges said a passerby called the fire at the corner of Ind. 13 and CR 400N in and the Fire Territory received the call at 12:49 a.m. Saturday. It was cleared at about 4 a.m.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, assisted by the Indiana State Fire Marshall’s Office.
Manges said the building is a total loss and there were no injuries. No one was in the building when the fire broke out.
County records indicate the property is owned by Edd Allen, Syracuse.
Turkey Creek Fire Territory and Pierceton Fire Department provided a full assist. Plain Township Fire Department and Noble Township provided tankers and manpower, he said. Approximately 30 men were on scene.
Kosciusko County Highway Department provided salt to keep the roads open on the cold morning, and the North Webster Police Department and Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office provided traffic control.
The Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory was called out to assist the Turkey Creek Fire Territory on another structure fire on Papakeechie Lake shortly after returning to the fire station. All the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory men responded, along with tankers, for about an hour.
