Published: November 14, 2008 11:57 pm         

Fire destroys Goshen home

Fire destroyed a home on Goshen’s south side Friday.

The home, located at 65895 Ind. 15, between where C.R. 40 splits on the east and west side of Ind. 15, caught fire at approximately 11:30 Friday morning.

John Plank, a neighbor who lives across the street, said a gas can caught on fire while the homeowner, Melvin Mullet, was working in his garage.

“I heard a bang and thought nothing of it. But then I got a call from my daughter that said there was a bunch of smoke across the street,” Plank said. “I looked outside and said ‘holy cow.’”

Elkhart Township Fire Chief Steven Chupp said Mullet had gone to the garage to saw the bottom off a door that was too long.

“And he propped (the door) up on a bench,” Chupp said. “He had gasoline cans sitting there, and he thought the gasoline cans were out of the way. He started cutting through with an electric-powered Skil saw” and ripped into the cans.

The electric motor of the saw ignited the gasoline, and there was instant fire in the garage.

Mullet suffered blisters on his legs.

“He refused treatment from Goshen medics, but his daughter came out later and they transported him to the doctor for treatment for his burns on his legs,” Chupp said.

Firefighters had the blaze under control in about 45 minutes. The house was a total loss, Chupp said, though some contents were able to be saved.

“Family members are taking care of that,” Chupp said.

New Paris firefighters assisted Elkhart Township firefighters with two tankers and additional personnel.