Fire destroys house and barn, donations sought for family

North Vernon, In. — Officials in Jennings County say a barn and A-frame home were destroyed in a fire Tuesday afternoon in the 8700 block of County Road 100 North. A neighbor reported the fire at 1:40 and when firefighters arrived they confirmed all the residents, including five children made it out of the home uninjured.

First responders from seven departments were hampered by the extreme cold and lack of water supply in the rural setting. Firefighters shuttled tankers to and from the property to extinguish the blaze. No damage estimate is available.

Community members are now collecting clothing and supplies for the family. The family is in need of boys and girls 5T, adult women’s medium to extra large, youth large, pants, shoes, socks and jackets. Donations can be dropped off at the North Vernon Sears Hometown Store, 247 East Walnut Street or call 812-767-6193.