A Hobart family is safe after evacuating themselves from their home when a fire broke out Thanksgiving Day.
Though it’s still under investigation, Hobart Fire Department spokesman Assistant Chief John Reitz said Friday that the blaze appears to have started in the attic space above the front entryway of the house in the 3500 block of S. Randolph St. The entire family — including their two cats — was able to get out safely, he said.
The house suffered mainly smoke and water damage, Reitz said, which will displace the family for some time. The American Red Cross is working with them to find temporary accommodations, he said.
The Lake Station, New Chicago, Union Township and Lakes of the Four Seasons Fire Departments assisted Hobart in extinguishing the fire, which Reitz said was handled quickly.
That fire comes on the heels of a Wednesday house fire in which a New Chicago woman died in a house fire in the 600 block of East 29th Avenue in New Chicago. Firefighters found the woman’s body in the house, according to New Chicago Fire Chief Joe Eakins, who said she was deceased when they found her.
She has not been identified yet.
Neighbors told news outlets the house exploded and the incident was being investigated as a possible natural gas explosion. Eakins wouldn’t confirm there was a gas leak because they’re still investigating.
Freelance reporter Carole Carlson contributed.
Carlson and Michelle L. Quinn are freelance reporters for the Post-Tribune.
