Emergency officials say a heating lamp used inside a chicken coop is believed to be the source of a destructive house fire that heavily damaged a large single-family home in Spencerville early Sunday morning.
Fire crews were dispatched to the 15800 block of Philips Oaks Drive after reports of a significant exterior fire. When firefighters arrived at the scene, they encountered intense flames coming through the roof of the residence, along with evidence of a partial structural collapse. Due to the size and severity of the fire, a large-scale response was initiated, with approximately 50 firefighters working for several hours to bring the blaze under control.
According to authorities, one person was inside the home at the time the fire began. That individual told investigators they first noticed unusual noises before observing flames from the deck area at the back of the house. Realizing the danger, the occupant immediately exited the residence and sought help from a nearby neighbor. From there, a call was placed to emergency services. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
A preliminary investigation conducted by fire officials determined that the fire did not originate inside the main living space of the home. Instead, investigators traced the source to an area beneath the rear deck, where a chicken coop was located. Authorities believe a heating lamp being used to keep the chickens warm likely ignited nearby materials, causing the fire to spread rapidly from the exterior structure to the house itself.
Once the flames reached the home, the fire intensified quickly, leading to extensive damage and eventual partial collapse of the structure. Firefighters worked throughout the early morning hours to fully extinguish the blaze and prevent it from spreading to neighboring properties. Crews remained on scene for an extended period to ensure hot spots were eliminated and the area was safe.
Officials estimate the fire caused approximately $1 million in damage, underscoring the destructive nature of the incident. Fire authorities are using this case as a reminder to residents about the potential dangers of heat lamps and similar devices, particularly when used in outdoor structures or near flammable materials. While the investigation remains ongoing, officials stress the importance of proper safety precautions to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
