WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Members of the Constantine Fire Department responded Wednesday to a structure fire in the 600 block of East Water Street.
The fire was reported to St. Joseph County Central Dispatch shortly after 10:30 p.m. Chief Mike Haydon said the homeowner smelled smoke and found the back porch on fire.
He attempted to put out the blaze with a garden hose but the fire spread quickly. He subsequently evacuated the house and called 9-1-1.
The back porch and back of the house were fully engulfed when fire crews arrived. Firefighters controlled the blaze quickly but it took about three hours to completely extinguish.
Haydon said the home and contents are a total loss. St Joseph County Victims Services and the Red Cross assisted the family with housing.
Meanwhile, a Constantine Police officer was treated at the scene and released for smoke inhalation. No other injuries were reported.
Haydon said the cause of the fire remains under investigation but does not appear to be suspicious.
