INDIANAPOLIS — 13 people, including 10 children, were injured after an apartment fire Wednesday morning on the east side of Indianapolis, according to the fire department.
Indianapolis Fire Department firefighters were called to an apartment complex around 9:30 a.m. in the 4400 block of Linwood Court, near East 10th Street and North Emerson Avenue.
IFD Battalion Chief Rita Reith said firefighters rescued at least 20 people from the apartments through windows, ladders and doors.
Of the about 14 people who were checked out by medical personnel, 13 people were taken to local hospitals, Reith said. Most of them were transported to be treated for smoke inhalation, but one person suffered a non-life-threatening bodily injury.
One of the transported patients was a 21-day-old infant. Another of those transported was a juvenile that jumped from the second story of the building.
Two apartments were occupied by a total of four-hearing impaired individuals, Reith said. None of those units had working smoke alarms even though they had mounting rings in place.
The fire originated in a first-floor apartment. During the investigation, it was found many of the smoke alarms in the building were not working, and others were ignored by residents of the building.
A resident of the apartment where the fire started told investigators she woke up to her room on fire. She told them she then left to report the fire to her rental office, according to Reith.
"Occupants heard smoke alarms sounding for some time prior to attempting to evacuate. Many, were unable to exit through the interior due to heavy smoke in the common areas. As previously stated, several of the apartments were without working smoke alarms, the mounting rings were in place but the units had been removed," Reith said.
Reith said residents should never ignore a sounding smoke alarm until they are certain there is no threat of smoke or fire.
IFD will work with complex management to make sure units are installed.
Smoke alarms, including ones for the hearing impaired, may be requested through the IFD's website.
-
Indiana law enforcement share support following death of Beech Grove officer
Law enforcement agencies and organizations across the state are sharing their support for Beech Grove following the tragic death of Officer Brian Elliot in the line of duty.
From snow to severe weather: How to prepare to weather the storm
Just three weeks ago, Indiana was blanketed in snow, and Hoosiers were battling extreme cold. Now, with snow barely off the ground, we have a risk for severe weather on Thursday.
Beech Grove to hold candlelit vigil to honor fallen Officer Brian Elliott
The City of Beech Grove is inviting the community to gather for a candlelit vigil to honor the life and service of Beech Grove Officer Brian Elliott, who was killed in the line of duty on Monday.
Beech Grove officer killed remembered as 'one of our own'
A Beech Grove police officer who was shot and killed while responding to a domestic violence call Monday night is being remembered as a hometown hero who dedicated his life to service.
