The body of Thomas Haskins was a day away from being cremated – and his closest kin didn’t even know he was dead.A fire that started in the walkout basement of a northwest-side home left heavy damage Monday morning, according to Fort Wayne firefighters.
Firefighters were called to 2230 Getz Road about 3:45 a.m. and found a male occupant outside the single-story house. He told firefighters he had left the house when awakened to the smell of smoke.
The fire extended from the basement to the upper level through a hole that was burnt in the floor, firefighters said. The fire was brought under control about 4:15 a.m.
There were no injuries, but a family pet remains unaccounted for.
