On June 30, fire units from Speedway Fire Department in Indianapolis were dispatched to a local apartment complex for an apartment fire.
When firefighters arrived, they found flames coming from the south side of the "U" shaped two-story apartment building. There were still many residents making efforts to re-enter their apartments to gather up what precious family possessions.
Fire officials were kept busy trying to keep the residents from going in as well as trying to force the rapidly approaching fire back. The apartment complex is located on the far west side of Indianapolis.
Firefighters from Speedway Fire Department realized that they out gunned, and they called for mutual aid from Wayne Township Fire Department and Indianapolis Fire Department. The incident went to two-and-a-half alarms. The response included 10 engines, five ladders and many support apparatus.
Crews had to battle low water pressure from the fire hydrants, strong winds, limited access to the apartment, and flames fed by ruptured gas lines.
Firefighters utilized four elevated master streams and numerous large diameter hand lines to battle the flames. Traffic on the nearby interstate was snarled.
The building housed 36 individual apartments but only 25 units were occupied at the time of the fire. Luckily all residents were able to get out with no injuries. Three firefighters were treated on the scene for minor injuries.
The American Red Cross was called out to assist families that were displaced. The fire caused about $1M damage.
