INDIANAPOLIS—Investigators are looking for the cause of a Monday afternoon two-alarm fire that destroyed a building housing a south side Indianapolis business.
Thick black smoke could be seen miles away after the fire broke out at Contractors Plus Services on East Murry Street, near Madison Avenue.
The Indianapolis Fire Department responded with 19 fire trucks and the Beech Grove Fire Department assisted with three more. As firefighters worked, the roof over the 20,000 square foot structure collapsed.
Propane tanks, ammunition, gasoline, paint and roofing materials were among the items inside the business, according to its owner. John Gregory said there were also collectible cars in the building, which was insured.
It took more than one hour to bring the fire under control. One firefighter suffered what was described as a "slight" back injury.
As a result of the blaze, portions of busy Madison Avenue were closed off during the afternoon.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and damage was estimated at $500,000.
