Investigators said wood-burning stoves are believed to be the source of two fires Saturday in St. Joseph County.
On Saturday afternoon, firefighters were called to 70861 Sevison Road in White Pigeon Township after a report of a pole barn on fire. Authorities were told a family member could see the corner of the structure near a wood burner that was ablaze.
When firefighters arrived, they found the barn fully engulfed. The building and its contents were a total loss.
Later that evening, Centreville and Three Rivers fire departments were summoned to a home at 20261 S. River Road in Lockport Township.
A passerby reported seeing the fire and was able to help get an occupant out of the house.
An attached garage was fully engulfed. Firefighters brought the fire under control within 20 minutes and contained flames to the garage. Authorities were told the homeowner had just stoked the fire and had left to go to the store.