By HOLLY GASKILL
An electrical malfunction is the likely source of the downtown Bluffton fire last Thursday.
David Hostick, public information officer for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, spoke on behalf of the fire investigator, Mike Vogely.
“It was determined the fire originated in the northeast area of the basement, where there was evidence of electrical arcing on some of the wiring,” Hosick said. “There is no evidence to suspect foul play.”
However, Hosick stated electrical malfunction could not be ruled as the official cause of the fire, as the damage was too extensive for a definitive ruling. Bluffton Fire Department Chief Don Craig said they were “90 percent certain” an electrical issue was the source.
More details are expected to be available when the official report is filed.
The building was constructed in 1880, according to Wells County GIS data. The property was most recently purchased in January by James Thompson, who intended to renovate the building into a mental health care facility and office rental space. Thompson, his wife, and their four young children had moved from Iowa to pursue the venture.
The building was uninsured, Craig said.
At the time of the fire, the family of six was sleeping on the second floor of the building. They were able to evacuate uninjured and temporarily moved into a motel. On Tuesday, they moved into a temporary apartment.
A GoFundMe has been started to help support their current living costs, in addition to individual donations and assistance from local churches, businesses and individuals. Specifically, Thompson thanked Carly Castro, Jeff Lemler and Klint Fiechter.
“The community support has been phenomenal,” Thompson said. “If I could thank every single person individually, I would.”
Thompson said the family currently plans to stay in Bluffton.
holly@news-banner.com
