CHARLESTOWN, Ind. --
A wood burning stove used as a heater is believed to be the cause of a fire at a home in far eastern Clark County, Ind., Friday.
The fire began shortly before 11 a.m. at 19212 Lakeside Drive near New Washington.
The homeowner was inside when the fire began.
Firefighters said Terry Balz attempted to fight the flames on his own, but he slipped and fell off his roof.
New Washington Fire Chief Randy Burton said a frozen fire hydrant hampered their already difficult job in frigid conditions.
"Other than fighting the fire, it's the elements we're fighting the most right now," said Burton.
Thirty firefighters from the Charlestown and New Washington fire departments. Extra engines and a water tanker from Henryville were called in.
The house appears to be destroyed.
Walz was rushed by ambulance to University Hospital. He's listed in fair condition.
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