UPDATE: Squad 70 investigators visited the house Tuesday afternoon and determined the blaze that destroyed the house at 412 Perry St., Warsaw, started on the front porch, but Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory Chief Mike Brubaker said it is still too early to determine an exact cause.

The home, owned and occupied by James and Judy Dubbs, and contents were ruled a total loss with the estimated value at $172,000.

Brubaker said it could be another day or so before the fire investigators make a definitive ruling on the cause.

BREAKING: Homeowner James Dubbs tells StaceyPageOnline.com that he awoke this morning to his alarm, then the power went out. “I heard some popping and smelled plastic burning,” he says, “then people were saying ‘You have a fire, get out!'”

James and Judy Dubbs and their dog escaped their home at 412 Perry St., Warsaw, with their lives and the clothes on their backs. Beyond that, they won’t know what all is lost until firefighters are successful in putting out the fire that started on the front porch of the home.

Firefighters from Warsaw-Wayne Township Fire Territory and Winona Lake are on scene now battling the blaze, which was reported at about 10:45 a.m. An engine and manpower from Leesburg/Plain Township Fire Department has also been requested to respond.

Multi-Township EMS is on scene to assist anyone who may need medical attention, and police from Warsaw and the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department are assisting with keeping traffic and the public away from the fire.

Dubbs says they had some special lights on the front porch and he wonders if those shorted out causing the fire. Again, it will be at least later today until fire investigators can rule a definite cause.

The fire was rendered under control at 11:31 a.m.

Red Cross is assisting the firefighters with drinks and the family with any immediate needs. The county’s fire investigation team, Squad 70, arrived on scene at about 1:40 p.m. to conduct an investigation and determine a cause for the fire.