The Newton Fire Department has determined a heat lamp caused a garage fire last week northeast of Newton. Just after 9 a.m. this past Thursday, the department responded to a two-car detached garage that contained vehicles, power tools, and other stored items. Upon arrival, Newton firefighters found light smoke coming from the garage, and a small fire near the peak of the roof. They were able to bring the fire under control in about 15 minutes.

Newton Fire Marshall Jacob Halferty says the fire started in a plastic tote that was sitting on a workbench, which contained three young ducklings under a heat lamp. The ducklings did not survive the fire, while the garage sustained limited fire damage that was primarily along one wall and in the attic space. There were no injuries, and the fire has been ruled accidental. Mutual aid agencies that assisted with this incident included the Kellogg Fire Department, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County EMA, and Colfax Ambulance, who assisted by covering emergency calls in Newton during the fire call.

The Newton Fire Department reminds the public to use caution when utilizing heat lamps in areas where combustible materials are present and to always ensure safe clearance and proper containment around heating devices.