Family, pets safe after downtown Franklin house fire

A family and their dogs were displaced following an early Wednesday morning house fire in downtown Franklin.

The fire was reported at 1:38 a.m. in the 100 block of Jackson Street. When the Franklin Fire Department and Seals Ambulance Service arrived minutes later, the house was already fully engulfed, according to Franklin Fire Department.

With a fire downtown surrounded by other houses, a commercial building, and large trees, spreading is a concern. Luckily, firefighters had the fire largely knocked down in about 20 minutes, with work after that concentrated on putting out hot spots, said Josh Snyder, fire chief. White River Township Fire Department assisted the firefighting efforts with their ladder truck.

The whole front of the house burned, including the interior of the house, the porch and outdoor furniture. The house is expected to be a total loss, Snyder said.

No one was hurt in the fire and the family of four and their dogs got out safely. Jeremy Gibbs, who rents the house from his wife’s family, said he’s grateful everyone got out safely, though the loss of all their possessions is tough.

It was a close call for one of the family’s dogs, though. During the fire, Benny was lost for about 30 minutes. After searching the house, firefighters eventually found him hiding behind the couch, which protected him from the flames, Gibbs said.

The family is getting help from organizations like Fire Angels and the American Red Cross, so their immediate needs are met, he said. The response from organizations was quick, with Fire Angels on the scene before the fire was fully out, he said.

Structures on both sides of the house didn’t catch fire and sustained minimal damage from the fire, Snyder said. The business next door to the house, Middle Davids Candles, was able to open Wednesday.

Tauria Catlin, who owns the business with her husband, said there was minor damage on the south side of the building. This was isolated to plexiglass storm windows that melted from the heat of the fire, she said.

“Thanks to everyone who has reached out checking on us this morning! We had a little damage from the fire next door, but we are able to be open to traffic today,” the business posted on Facebook. “Our thoughts and prayers are with our sweet neighbors, please include them in yours too! Thanks also to the Franklin Fire Department for getting the blaze under control and taking care of our little neighborhood.”

The cause of the fire was still under investigation Wednesday morning, Snyder said.