IFD battles flames, cold at near NE side house fire
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis firefighters faced flames and extreme cold on the near northeast side of the city Thursday morning.
Fire crews were called to a one-story house in the 1500 block of N. Beville Avenue, near Massachusetts Avenue and Rural Street, around 7:30 a.m.
The roof collapsed minutes after firefighters arrived, according to an Indianapolis Fire Department tweet. Flames were still shooting from the house as WISH-TV’s Chopper 8 flew over at 7:45 a.m., and smoke was visible from miles away.
IFD said the house was destroyed, but a family of two as well as their two dogs escaped safely. Firefighters say the residents had just moved into the home two days ago and utilities were not yet turned on. They did not have insurance, so the Red Cross for shelter is working with the victims.
One of the victims told IFD he was letting the dogs outside when he heard a loud noise and saw a fire. He said he had a small propane heater in the front bedroom, along with several candles burning inside the home.
The blaze, which was brought under control in about 30 minutes, left $30,000 in damage. Its cause is under investigation.