An investigator with the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the cause of a fire at a Knox home was accidental.
Continue readingUPDATE : Firefighters Quickly Contain Fire at Knox Home
Firefighters Quickly Contain Fire at Knox Home
The Knox-Center Township Fire Department quickly extinguished a house fire early Friday morning.
Continue readingFire Alarm Sounds during Starke County Commissioners Meeting
The Starke County Commissioners meeting ended outside the Starke County Annex No. 1 Building Monday night after the fire alarm sounded near the conclusion of the meeting.
Continue readingFirefighters Fight Outbuilding Fire in Knox
The Knox-Center Township Fire Department firefighters battled an outbuilding fire Wednesday morning.
Knox Board of Works Members Approve Fire Truck Change Order
The Knox Board of Works members discussed a change order for the newly purchased fire truck for the Knox-Center Township Fire Department.
City of Knox Streets Open, Wastewater Treatment Plant Back to Normal Functions
All of the roads closed due to flooding in the City of Knox are now open. Knox Street Superintendent Jeff Borg told the Board of Works members Wednesday morning that rerouting the truck traffic helped keep trucks out of danger and be on more solid roads.
The city had 60 tons of sand available for sand bags and the county brought in another 50 tons of sand to fill sand bags. Borg said about 10 tons of sand remain for city use. Any sand bags that are no longer needed may soon be collected and the sand re-deposited at the city street department.
Knox Mayor Thanks Residents Who Pitched in During this Weekend’s Emergency Situation
Over the weekend, there were many Knox residents who pitched in to help keep flood waters at bay and Mayor Dennis Estok extended his gratitude to those dedicated individuals during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
The mayor said, “That just goes to show us that we might be a small community, but we’re a strong community when people need help and that was very evident Saturday night, if you would have seen the operation it was something to see, so I want to thank everybody for helping us out.” Continue reading
Fire Protection Agreements Approved by Knox City Council
The 2018 fire protection agreements between the City of Knox and Center and Jackson Townships were up for approval at the Knox City Council meeting Tuesday evening.
Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston stated that the proposed agreements are essentially the same as past years except they did one year rather than two year agreements this year. He said that decision was made because an election will be coming up and incoming groups can not be legally bound to an agreement. Continue reading
Knox House Fire Ruled Accidental
Firefighters battled a house fire in the 4100 block of East 200 South in Knox Sunday night.
According to Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Kenny Pfost, the Indiana State Fire Marshal deemed the fire accidental. The fire started in a recessed lighting fixture in the front porch area of the home.
Pfost added that crews from the Knox-Center Township Fire Department, Hamlet-Davis Fire Department and Washington Township Fire Department were at the scene for about four hours battling the blaze.
Knox Fire Crews Battle House Fire
Firefighters from the Knox-Center Township Fire Department battled a house fire in the 1400 block of U.S. 35 just north of Knox.
When they arrived at the scene just after 9:30 p.m. Monday, flames could be seen from the back of the residence. Dark, heavy smoke billowed from the eaves. According to Fire Chief Kenny Pfost, all of the occupants were out of the house, but a dog remained inside. Firefighters entered the house, located the dog and carried it to safety. No injuries were reported.
Knox City Council Tables Mutual Aid Agreement
The Knox City Council tabled a discussion on a mutual aid agreement between the city and the Bass Lake Fire Department.
Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Kenny Pfost told the council members that he doesn’t approve of the agreement presented and will talk with Bass Lake Fire Chief Les Jensen about an agreement that would be acceptable between both parties.
Chief Pfost stated that the departments are operating under a mutual aid agreement provided by the state, but he would like to see it tailored to fit the needs of both departments.
Officials Determine Cause of House Fire
The cause of the house fire on 175 North just east of U.S. 35 in Starke County on Sunday was determined as arson.
Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Kenny Pfost said there were many areas of origin. The home was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived at the scene. Firefighters were battling a woods fire at the time the house fire was called into the Sheriff’s Department. Hamlet and Washington Township firefighters assisted at the scene along with water and manpower support from the Koontz Lake Fire Department.
Use Caution When Placing a Christmas Tree in Your Home
Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Kenny Pfost urges you to keep safety a number one priority this season.
“If you purchase a live Christmas tree, try and make sure you get the freshest tree possible. You want to choose one with fresh, green needles that don’t fall off when you touch them. If you choose an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled as ‘fire retardant,’” stated Pfost.
Knox Firefighter Raises Questions About Injury Claim
Knox-Center Township firefighter Wayne Noah and Fire Chief Kenny Pfost were at the Knox City Council meeting Tuesday night to raise questions about Noah’s injury claim through the city.
Noah was injured five weeks ago while assisting in an investigation at a fire scene. He fractured his ankle in the incident and has filed a claim through the city. He has received some money from the insurance but not all of what is owed to him. If you’re also having difficulty getting the compensation you’re entitled to, you may consider speaking with a workers compensation attorney.
Knox Fire Chief Offers Fire Safety Tips
With the many house fires that have been fought in the area recently, fire safety is one thing to keep in mind.
Fifty-three fire fatalities have been reported so far this year, compared to 46 total last year. Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Kenny Pfost notes that these deaths could have been prevented if a working smoke alarm was present.
“Most home fire casualties occur at night when people are sleeping,” said Pfost. “The smoke and toxic gases generated by a fire induce a deep sleep and decreases a person’s chance of survival. It’s important that every sleeping room has a smoke detector and one placed outside of every sleeping room. You also need a smoke detector for every level of the home.”
Dry Conditions Urge Caution, Says Knox-Center Township Fire Chief
Although it’s been dry in the Knox area, Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Kenny Pfost says his department hasn’t been called out to too many brush fires.
“We’ve been fortunate,” commented Pfost. “We’ve only had a couple of brush fires, but there have been several more throughout the county. It hasn’t been too much of a problem yet and hopefully the residents of Starke County can help keep it under control.”
Pfost urges you to not burn anything during this drought, but if you have to, he offers these suggestions.
“The biggest thing is to use common sense,” said Pfost. “I prefer that you don’t burn at all. If it is necessary, keep it attended. If you can, have water present, like a garden hose. If nothing else, keep the grass wet around the fire. It seems like a lot of people wait until the windiest day of the year to burn. Burn on a calm day if you have to burn. Try to do it during the daylight hours and don’t burn anything you can’t manage.”
Car Catches Fire in Five Star Parking Lot
The Knox-Center Township Fire Department was called to a vehicle fire last night in the Five Star parking lot.
Fire Chief, Kenny Pfost, said that when they arrived at the scene, flames were coming from the engine compartment. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the engine area. No foul play is suspected.
Photo provided.
Fire Prevention Tips
Knox-Center Township Fire Chief, Kenny Pfost, has another fire prevention tip in honor of National Fire Prevention Week.
“Never leave your home with candles burning,” said Pfost. “We’ve had a lot of fires where people leave home and they forget to put a candle out. Keep them away from curtains.”
Burn Ordinance in Effect in the City of Knox
Knox residents are reminded that a burning ordinance is in effect. It is unlawful to maintain any form of leaf burning or wood burning of any kind, on private or public property.
The Police Department will issue a warning notice to a first time violator, then a $50 citation will be issued. Each separate offense shall be considered a separate violation.
Knox-Center Township Fire Chief Offers Fire Prevention Tips
National Fire Prevention Week is this week and Knox-Center Township Fire Chief, Kenny Pfost, has this fire prevention tip.
“Keep paper, dish towels and other combustibles away from the stove top,” he urged. “Some people have paper towel dispensers below the cabinets and it is recommended that a toaster is not placed underneath that dispenser.”
Pfost said it’s important to have house numbers visible so firefighters can find your home in case of a fire.
