Fire Rages in Abandoned Home on Linwood Avenue

From the IFD: Heavy fire showing from the north side of a two story double greeted firefighters upon arrival at 338 N Linwood Ave this evening shortly after 11:30 pm. Firefighters from Station 27 encountered holes in the floor, fire that ran from the basement to the attic and debris 4 feet thick as they fought this fire. Neighbors in the area believe the house to be vacant however they said that people are in and out of the house at all hours of the night. Many are believed to be homeless according to a gentleman that lives a couple doors down. It took an aggressive interior attack by firefighters about 20 minutes to get this fire under control. Houses located on both sides of the double, about 10-15 feet away each, were kept out of fire danger as dedicated water streams on both sides kept the exposures clear. Neighbors worry that the burned house will now be a blight on the neighborhood and firefighters say that houses such as this with so much debris are a danger to firefighters that may have to return here on another call. No injuries were reported on this fire. According to Battalion Chief Joe Krebsbach, damage is estimated at 40,000 dollars. IFD/IMPD fire investigative units are on the scene trying to determine cause and origin.

Suspicious White Powder Found at Indianapolis Business

From the IFD: Shortly before 1:30 this afternoon an employee at Eskew Enterprises opened the mail just like any other day. Although the standard white business envelope was addressed to another company, S And H Marketing the return address of Eskew Enterprises had been pasted on the envelope so the post office returned it here. When Christina Lee-Gasaway opened the envelope she discovered a scrap of clean foil, the type used in fast food restaurants, with a powdery substance inside. She contacted her bosses, owners Darryl and Andrea Eskew who called police and evacuted the building. Haz Mat crews from IFD Station 13 were dispastched and prepared to begin entry and testing. 2 firefighters entered the building in Level B suits and ran 2 tests on the substance. Both tests tested positive for TRYPSIN. Trypsin is an ammino acid and considered a non threat. Investigators from IMPD and the US Postal Inspectors office were called to investigate any possible criminal wrong doing. Representatives from the Marion County Health Department were on hand to assist with any Haz Mat needs. The substance was sent to the LRN lab at 16th and MLK for further testing. No injuries were reported.