Historic house near La Porte wedding venue destroyed in fire

LA PORTE, Ind. -- A historical home that was built prior to the Civil War burned down Friday night.

An ambulance was driving by around 6:00 p.m. when paramedics saw smoke coming from the house.

The home owners were not home and no one was injured in the fire. 

Firefighters were able to get the family pets out safely. 

The cause is still under investigation but officials believe the fire started in the basement by a candle that was left burning.

The fire was actively burning for more than five hours, it took over 60 firefighters to combat the fire and get it under control.

The house was located near the Red Barn Experience, a well known wedding venue in La Porte. The barn was not damaged in the fire.