Mother, teen daughters safely escape Indy house fire

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis firefighters say a mother and and her two teenage daughters are safe after they escaped from their burning home.

It happened around 11:30 p.m. in the 3400 block of Birchwood Avenue, near Fall Creek Parkway.

Firefighters arrived to heavy smoke and fire, but the blaze was under control in about 20 minutes, according to IFD.

One of the teens said she was on her phone in the living room when she heard popping and cracking sounds. She thought someone was trying to break in, but quickly spotted the flames and alerted her sister and mother, firefighters said.

The fire caused an estimated $55,000 in damage. The family plans to stay with friends for now since the home is unlivable.