INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Fire Department says a woman died Sunday morning after an apartment fire in downtown Indianapolis.
Firefighters responded to the Lucille Raines Residence, located in the 900 block of N Pennsylvania Street, around 5 a.m. and found heavy smoke on the fourth floor.
Witnesses told firefighters a woman, later identified as Sara Holt, 41, evacuated and re-entered her apartment twice but was later overcome by the smoke and did not make it out.
On June 2, the Marion County Coroner's office said the victim had been identified as Sara Holt, 41.
"The Indianapolis Fire Department would like to remind everyone – if a fire occurs in your home, apartment or building – please do not try and re-enter to gather personal effects or pets," public information officer Rita Reith said in a news release. "Get Out and Stay Out. The toxic effects of smoke will render you unconscious in minutes and can prove to be fatal – as evidenced by today’s unfortunate fatality. Our thoughts are with all who are affected by her loss."
The other 45 residents evacuated the building, including some who used the fire escape. Several of them were checked out by EMS at the scene and released.
IFD says there were working smoke alarms and no occupants were displaced.
The fire has been ruled accidental but the exact cause is still undetermined at this time.
-
Bloomington Animal Care and Control calls on community to adopt, foster
Bloomington Animal Care and Control is full. They’re looking for folks to step up and adopt. The shelter has multiple incentives like waived or reduced adoption fees and events to home the animals.
Fire on north side injured man, left several displaced and kills three pets
The fire broke out around 7:56 p.m. at 9301 Racquetball Way, IFD posted on Facebook. It took IFD 25 minutes to get the fire under control.
Shepherd Community Center sees increase in need for mental health services
A community center on the east side of Indy is increasing access to mental health services for the kids and families they serve.
Faith leaders condemn Lt. Gov. Beckwith for Three-Fifths Compromise comment
The Three-Fifths Compromise counted Black people as three-fifths of a human being during slavery. Indiana Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith described the law as a "great move" in a video this week.
