The School City of Hobart is collecting clothing and toys for a family with four young children whose house was significantly damaged by a fire Sunday night.
Lt. John Reitz said firefighters responded about 8:50 p.m. to the house in the 300 block Wabash Street. He said the family had multiple smoke detectors and all six quickly escaped the home. The family’s dog, however, died.
Reitz said the homeowner tried to use a garden hose to put out the fire, but it spread quickly.
He said the cause of the fire is still undetermined, but it likely was of an electrical origin in the rear of the home.
“We narrowly avoided a tragedy,” Reitz said. “But the dog didn’t make it.”
Reitz said the fire did significant damage to the house and the family won’t be able to return for some time. They do have temporary housing, officials said.
Hobart was assisted by firefighters from Portage, Gary and Lake Station.
Reitz said firefighters visited houses in the same neighborhood Monday to make sure residents had working smoke alarms.
School officials announced a drop-off site for donations at the Early Learning Center, Door 1, 400 N. Wilson St.
Items needed include boys’ size 8 clothing, sizes 3 shoes; girls’ size 5T clothing, size 10 shoes; twin boys’ size 2T clothing, size 6 shoes; baby boy 9-12 months clothing; women’s medium/large shirts and small/medium pants, size 8 shoes; men’s large shirts, medium/large/32 pants, size 11-12 shoes.
Gift cards for food and toiletries are needed along with toys for the children.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.