Fire Engulfs Home on East 21st Street

From IFD: On the scene at 4344 E 21st street for a residence fire. At approximately 2:45 this morning a passerby Larry Tutson was headed East on 21st street when he noticed flames coming from a two story residence. Mr. Tutson called 911 and reported the fire. He then went to the front door of the residence and yelled for everyone to get out. Apparently the family that lives there was not home at the time. A car parked in the front yard is always present and was confusing as to the possibility of possible entrapment. When firefighters arrived on the scene they reported heavy fire showing through the roof. Firefighters on this box alarm response had the fire out within 20 minutes. IFD/IMPD fire investigations units are on the scene and are searching for cause and origin at this time. According to Battalion Chief Dave Harris damage is estimated at 40,000 dollars. No injuries were reported. Nothing further to report.

Two Eastside Fires Keep Firefighters Busy

From IFD: Firefighters from the Indianapolis Fire Department were kept busy on the East side of Indianapolis today, with two residence fires in the span of 2 ½ hours.

The first fire came in at 11:37 this morning when firefighters were dispatched to 4508 N Edmonson Ave. Upon arrival firefighters from IFD Station 24 reported smoke showing form the attic of a two story residence. No one was home at the time of the fire and firefighters had to force entry through the front door. This Box Alarm/Working Fire response brought about 37 firefighters to the scene to fight this fire. The fire is believed to have been accidental and to have started in the kitchen. The exact cause is unknown and still under investigation by IFD/IMPD fire investigators. The fire was brought under control in about 30 minutes and no injuries were reported. According to Battalion Chief Dennis Gavaghan, the damage is estimated at $50,000. Nothing further to report.

The second fire came in at 1:59 this afternoon as firefighters were dispatched to 10326 Baribeau. Firefighters from IFD Engine 45 arrived on the scene of this one story residence to find heavy smoke pouring from the rear of this house. According to the residents of the home, renters, Coron and Dawanna Gaines, a loud popping noise was heard outside the house, in the backyard, near the gas meter and when Mr. Gaines looked out the window, he saw fire. He and 3 of his 4 children were home at the time of the fire and all escaped without harm before firefighters arrived. The room that suffered the most damage was a bedroom. The property is owned by Elden Properties. IFD Victims Assistance was called and is helping the family relocate for the evening. According to Battalion Chief Dennis Gavaghan, damage is estimated at $20,000. No injuries were reported. Nothing further to report.