INDIANAPOLIS -- A man critically injured in a southeast side fire has died.
Roger Shadowens, 54, on Saturday succumbed to injuries sustained April 4 in a house fire at 1438 Pleasant Street, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department. A woman who was also in the home, Shirley Allen, 50, was pronounced dead the day the fire broke out.
Firefighters said the home did not have working smoke detectors.
Fire investigators have ruled the fire “undetermined in cause and origin.”
Firefighters were able to revive two dogs they pulled from the home, Baby Girl and Chico. Chico was placed in a home but Baby Girl ran away from the scene and firefighters were unable to relocate her.
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Shadowens' death marks the seventh fatality from a fire that the Indianapolis Fire Department has responded to since January 1.
IFD released the following statement about the fire on the day that it happened:
"While our thoughts and prayers are with the family of these victims... Of the 6 separate fatal fires, all but one had NO working smoke alarms. With the exception of the two children from the East Terrace St fire – all of the victims are adults with the average age of 55. IFD urges all homeowners to make sure their smoke alarms are in working order with at least one 10-year sealed battery smoke alarm on every level of your home. Please discuss an evacuation plan with family and visitors who may be staying in your home and agree on a pre-determined meeting place should an emergency occur and evacuation necessary. If you need a smoke alarm please call 327-6093 and someone from the IFD Fire and Life Safety Division will assist you."
