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.
-
Traffic signal feature gives 'a few extra seconds in the crosswalk'
If you’re at a downtown intersection and you push a crosswalk button, you may notice the walk signal three to seven seconds before the light turns green in any direction.
Circle City Sweets prepares hundreds of king cakes for Mardi Gras
It’s Fat Tuesday, and for Circle City Sweets at The AMP, it’s the busiest holiday of the year. On Monday morning, owner Cindy Hawkins and her team are hard at work, preparing 100 king cakes.
Police organizations mobilize after Beech Grove officer killed
In addition to a growing memorial, local police support groups are standing ready to help the department and his family through this difficult time.
State lawmakers consider cutting early voting period to 16 days under amendment
House Bill 1359 amendment divides election officials, with supporters citing cost savings and critics warning of reduced voter access and potential turnout suppression