The Gary, Ind. Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire around 6 p.m.
Crews on Engine 7 advised a working fire in the rear apartment of a two-story commercial building. While firefighters were advancing lines up the front stairs, ammunition started exploding in one of the apartments. The fire was quickly brought under control and nobody was injured.
About eight hours later, a single engine response was requested for smoke in the area at the previous fire location. The crew of Engine 12 advised of a working on the second floor. Initially, an interior attack was attempted, but heavy fire conditions and a breach in the flat roof forced and exterior attack.
Multiple lines were advanced to the front and rear of the building, a deck gun was also put into use.
Arson investigators were requested both times at the fire scene. It was determined at the first fire, that it was arson. Two separate fires had been started in two different apartments on the second floor.
Crews remained on scene for over an hour. Nobody was injured.
Crews that responded were Engine 12, Engine 7, Squad 2, Truck 1, Safety Officer 153, Battalion 7, Arson Investigator 113, and a Prompt Ambulance for stand-by
