INDIANAPOLIS — Three homes were damaged and 17 people were displaced after a fire on Christmas morning on Indianapolis' southeast side, according to the fire department.
The Indianapolis, Beech Grove, and Greenwood fire departments were called around 11 a.m. to the 8200 block of Garden Ridge Road, near East Stop 11 Road and South Points Road, after a man started a fire in his fireplace and his house filled with smoke, IFD Battalion Chief Rita Reith said in a press release.
When the man went upstairs, he saw the fire already spread, Reith said. The man told firefighters they used the fireplace daily and never had the chimney professionally cleaned or inspected.
"The Indianapolis Fire Department would like to remind residents maintain the integrity of their wood burning fire place by getting an annual inspection and cleaning," Reith said. "Creosote buildup and small cracks in the liner can wreak havoc if left unchecked. If necessary – evacuate the structure and call 911. Biggest obstacles for firefighters were slick work surfaces on equipment, gear and walking paths due to heavy volume of water and freezing temperatures."
No injuries were reported. A total of 27 fire units from the fire departments were called to the two-alarm fire.
10:58 AM - Heavy fire rips through 3 homes in the Southern Ridge Neighborhood after occupants at 8245 Garden Ridge Rd report a chimney fire. 3 families displaced w/ no injuries. Command orders Defensive Ops only, requests 2nd alarm & crews mark it under control in 30 minutes. pic.twitter.com/qWVslsDFnO
— Indianapolis Fire Department 🚒 (@IFD_NEWS) December 25, 2020
IFD also responded to another on Christmas morning on Willow Wind Court.
10:53 AM - Improper use of an extension cord used for Christmas lights is to blame for blaze at 2121 Willow Wind Ct. The extension cord, visibly sparking earlier in the day, yet unreported to the homeowner, was pinched in several locations by a nearby wood pile. Exterior Damage. pic.twitter.com/VM8eqeBNQ2
— Indianapolis Fire Department 🚒 (@IFD_NEWS) December 25, 2020
