20 residents displaced in apartment fire on Indianapolis' southeast side

INDIANAPOLIS — A total of 20 residents were displaced after 16 apartments were damaged in a fire early Tuesday at the Emerson Village Apartments complex on the city's southeast side, officials say.

Of those units, eight units suffered smoke damages and the other eight suffered fire damages, according to Indianapolis Fire Department Battalion Chief Rita Reith. Two of the apartments were unoccupied.

Crews responded about 4:30 a.m. to the apartment complex, in the 4100 block of Emerson Village Place, after receiving several calls indicating there was heavy fire coming from the building. The apartment complex is near the intersection of Emerson Avenue and Shelbyville Road.

Once crews arrived, they saw a few people leaving the building, which had heavy smoke coming from the roof. Most people inside had already gotten out by the time responders got there.

Crews were able to get the blaze under control in about 30 minutes, Reith said. All occupants were accounted for and no injuries were reported among residents. However, one firefighter suffered a slight injury during the response. They were checked and cleared at the scene.

Reith said it's not exactly clear exactly why or where the fire started, but it's believed to have begun at an upper level.

Additionally, it's unclear whether the units had working smoke alarms.

The fire department is coordinating with management and other agencies to ensure that the displaced occupants have temporary shelter. Apartment management told IFD that other units are available at the complex and at other locations for the displaced residents.

An investigation is ongoing.