Whiting city councilman loses home in fire

WHITING, Ind. — The home of Whiting City Councilman Shawn Turpin caught fire Monday afternoon.

Authorities said crews responded to the 1800 block of Oliver Street just after 4 p.m. Monday for reports of a house fire. When crews arrived, they found a detached garage in the back of a home fully engulfed.

Officials said a man who was inside that garage was burned and taken to St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago. It is unclear how serious his injuries are.

Officials added the fire spread to several buildings and one home was heavily damaged with its roof collapsing.

In total, investigators said eight structures were impacted: Three detached garages in an alleyway were damaged, including the one where the fire is believed to have started. One home sustained significant damage as did an adjacent home. Three more homes sustained exposure damage to their sidings.

The State Fire Marshal will work to determine the cause of the fire.

A GoFundMe has also been set up for Turpin.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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