Firefighters were sent to Forest Oaks Mobile Home Park (formerly Burns Harbor) for a mobile home fire late
Christmas night (December 25). Nearby residents reported smoke and flames coming from a trailer on
Canterbury Circle near Amanda Lane in Liberty Township.
Chief Brian Duncan and Assistant Chief Michael Wineland arrived on scene and found no active flames. Smoke
was visible from outside the trailer and pushing out from the eaves. The trailer was not occupied when
firefighters arrived.
Liberty Township Firefighters stretched a hose line and conducted a primary search confirming the home was
not occupied. Chesterton and South Haven firefighters checked for extension of fire under the trailer and started
ventilation efforts at the main entry door. The home did not appear to be in a livable condition as standard
furnishings were not present.
Preliminary findings found an oven missing where the fire appears to have been started. The fire suffocated
itself inside the home and created a “smoke filled” atmosphere further damaging the interior of the home.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation and is being assisted by the Porter County Fire Investigation
Team.