Arson Fire Torches Three Indianapolis Homes

INDIANAPOLIS --

Firefighters battled a blaze at three homes on Indianapolis' near-southeast side Friday morning that investigators think was intentionally set.

The fire was reported at about 2:30 a.m. in the area of Lexington and Grove avenues in Fountain Square, just east of Interstate 65.

Indianapolis fire Capt. Rita Burris said the fire began in a shed and spread to all three homes, displacing five adults and eight children from their homes. An Indianapolis firefighter suffered a slight injury, but no one else was hurt.

"My son saw it … He came running through and said there was a fire," said neighbor Rick Hamilton. "I thought it was my house, and I said, 'Call 911.'"

"The man across the street asked me if anyone was in the big house," said victim Phyllis Barron. I said, 'Yes, my son and the kids are in there.' He went over and pounded on the door."

Fifty-five firefighters battled the blaze, keeping most of the damage to the exterior of the homes.

"Firefighters were able to blast water quickly at the three homes and get a good knock on the blaze while others laid the hose lines in preparation for the attack," Burris said.

The victims were identified as William Barron and Marie Lund, along with five children; Teresa Salazar and her fiancé, Fermin Salazar, and three children; and Phyllis Barron.

Damage to the homes was estimated at $100,000.

The victims were all being assisted by the American Red Cross.

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