March 28, 2024

Colfax family escapes fire

Fire began this afternoon, no injuries reported

A house fire that began at 2:48 p.m. in Colfax, has nearly been contained according to Colfax Fire Chief Denis Lester.

The home, located at 307 W. Division St, is owned by 61-year-old Donna Noftsger, who escaped the inferno along with two children, her cat and a dog. Another cat is still missing.

Noftsger  said her family was outside having a garage sale when she noticed the house was ablaze. Her 14-year-old granddaughter Dakota Noftsger was asleep on the couch when the home's second floor caught fire.

Fire crews believe the blaze began in the attic or second level of the structure. The roof is a total loss, Lester said, and the house has sustained significant water damage.

Colfax, Mingo and Prairie City Fire Departments responded to the blaze. Colfax Police and Jasper County Sheriff's deputies were on scene today.

No one was injured due to the fire.