INDIANAPOLIS
A blaze at a building packed with recyclables proved difficult for firefighters to battle early Monday.
A neighbor said he heard an explosion and spotted flames coming from a vacant building at 1412 W. Sumner Ave. just after 5 a.m.
Firefighters arrived to find the building engulfed by flames, with heavy smoke forcing some nearby residents to evacuate.
Inside, crews found piles of cardboard boxes and Styrofoam waiting to be recycled.
"Firefighters stated that the building was packed floor to ceiling with the materials, which made entry into and through the building difficult," Capt. Rita Burris said in a news release.
The blaze was brought under control in 40 minutes. No injuries were reported.
Damage to the building was estimated at $250,000. Fire officials said the owner owns an appliance business and stores recyclables in the building.
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