A Jasper couple lost their home after it fell victim to a fire of unknown origin Wednesday afternoon.
Just before 2 pm yesterday firefighters with the Jasper Volunteer Fire Department were called to the home of Chip and Kathy Kugler located at the 1200 Block of Sapphire Drive in the Brookstone Subdivision between Jasper and Ireland.
Authorities say the fire was discovered and reported by a Huntingburg gas employee who also serves as a member of Huntingburg’s Volunteer Fire Department.
Flames were reported to have been coming through the roof of the structure when fire units arrived.
No one was home at the time of the blaze and there were no injuries. Jasper Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang says the home was a total loss. He said firefighters did rescue a dog in the residence and another dog and cat exited the home on their own. One of the family’s cats is missing at this time.
The Jasper Fire Department responded with five trucks. The Ireland Volunteer Fire Department sent a tanker to the scene and the Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department out of Otwell assisted with two tankers.
Firefighters were on the scene for nearly three hours.
Now donations of clothing are being sought in the following sizes.
Women’s medium clothing, size 8 shoes, and men’s medium clothing, size 8.5 shoes. Gift cards to stores for needed items such as Wal-Mart, grocery stores, clothing stores, etc. would also be appreciated. Items may be dropped off at the F.C. Tucker real estate office at the corner of 9th and Newton Streets in Jasper.
A GoFundMe.com page has also been established to collect monetary donations at www.gofundme.com.
Memorial Hospital Emergency Medical Services also assisted.
