Rash of Fires Hit Vacant Homes in Indianapolis

IFD/IMPD Fire Investigators were out on another vacant house fire this evening, reports IFD Capt. Rita L. Reith. Authorities estimate that in the last month they have run on approximately 20 house fires in vacant residences. While some of them are ruled malicious, most they say are “warming fires” started by homeless who seek shelter in these boarded up homes. Firefighters responding to these fires are worried that someone is going to get hurt..and they hope it’s not one of them.

Shortly before 8 pm this evening, firefighters were dispatched to the area of 10th and Tacoma for a house fire. Upon arrival, Engine 27 reported Heavy fire coming from the rear of a two story, wood frame double residence. This is the 3rd time since July that this same house has been set on fire. 12 IFD units responded to this fire and shut down several blocks of 10th street in the 2400 block area for about 2 hours. Firefighters made a quick interior attack on the fire but worry that the continued compromised integrity of the house will cause one them to get injured while fighting the fire. Large holes in the floors, burned out staircases and weakened roof structures all make for treacherous ground inside the burning structure.

Residents who live in the area are scared and angry. They say that homeless people make their way into the home, regardless of the boarded up doors and windows. Gary and Dana Bohannon, live next to the house with their two young sons and their dog Indy..a pit boxer mix. They had to evacuate their home this evening, in bare feet, as the flames from the residence next door, less than 10 feet away, threatened their home. They say they are mad that careless fires are being set for warmth. Gary noticed the large volume of flame as he was walking back home from an errand. He ran inside and told his wife and sons to get out of the house. This is the third time they have stood outside and watched, hoping it didn’t damage their house.

Another issue firefighters dealt with as they fought this fire was a gentleman who carelessly drove over the supply line to the fire hydrant causing it to split and water pressure to the hose lines affected. While every attempt is made by both firefighters and IMPD to get the streets secured in a timely fashion, sometimes people drive over the hose with disregard for firefighter safety. The supply hoses that firefighters lay to hydrants are not built to withstand the friction and pressure of an automobile driving over it. They are clearly visible, with their bright yellow covering and should never, ever be driven over. In this case, another citizen who witnessed the car driving over the hose, got the drivers information and turned it over to IMPD.

The Indianapolis Fire Department would like to remind everyone to be alert for anyone trespassing into these vacant homes and setting fires. While the need for warmth as the weather grows colder is certainly understood, we do not want anyone to get hurt by the careless setting of fires inside a home. Please call crime stoppers at 262-tips and let them know if you see any suspicious activity. Firefighters had the fire under control in about 15 minutes and no injuries were reported. According to Battalion Chief Dave Harris, the damage is estimated at $10,000.

Car Punches Hole in House While Woman Sleeps

From the IFD: Winnie Withers who lives at 8604 E 37th Place woke up this morning to her dog "Bear" barking only to find an 8 by 8 foot hole in the East side of her one story brick ranch home. Sometime after she went to sleep last night and before she awoke this morning, someone drove into the side of her home and left. A Hit and Run. No one in the home was injured and damage is estimated at 15,000 dollars. Ms. Withers stated that she did not hear or see anything until a neighbor knocked on her door to see if she was ok after noticing the hole. Ms. Withers states the hole sits where her kitchen is, and had she been awake she would have probably been sitting at the desk located there. IMPD on the scene says that the vehicle was heading West on Dewberry when it left the road, went across the street into her yard, glanced off a large tree and into the East wall of the house. They then backed up and left. Due to the magnitude of the impact they assume extensive damage to the car, airbag deployment and possible injury to the driver. The house is uninhabitable at this time and IFD Victims Assistance was called. However, Ms. Withers will be staying with someone at her church tonight. IFD'S Collapse Rescue Team (CRT) was called out to stabilize the structure.

Regarding the earlier run at 8604 E 37th Pl. Ms. Withers awoke at approximately 7:40 am. It is unclear at what she went to bed last evening. IFD was dispatched at 8:01 am. Also the correct spelling of the street is Dubarry.

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.

Indianapolis Dedicates Memorial for First Black Firefighter Killed in Line of Duty

From the IFD: The Indianapolis Black Firefighters Association, a fraternal organization of the Indianapolis Fire Department, is pleased to announce the memorial dedication for Lt. Tom Smith. On Friday, September 25, 2009 at 10:00am; as part of the 150th Anniversary of the Indianapolis Fire Department, IFD, IAFF Local 416, Department of Public Safety, active and retired firefighters will gather at Crown Hill Cemetery to honor Lt. Tom Smith.

Smith, the first African-American line of duty death in IFD history, was killed when Hose Wagon 16 was struck by a street car, while answering a call to Box 317 at Northwestern Avenue and 21st Street. Smith was hurled into the air and thrown in front of the street car, which passed over him. He was dragged for several feet and his body became lodged at the front trucks; according to the Indianapolis News (11/08/1911).

Born May 10, 1843 in Crab Orchard, Kentucky; Smith was a member of the IFD’s first colored fire company. In May 1876 James Mitchell was elected mayor of Indianapolis, he appointed W.O. “Deck” Sherwood fire chief. Chief Sherwood recognized the need for a colored fire company. Two weeks later, on May 19, 1876 a colored company was formed and firehouse established on St. Mary’s Street. The fire company included Tom Smith, Thomas Howard, Robert Braxton, and James Graves. Smith was assigned badge # 158 and quickly became the city’s horse expert. Tom was known as one of the most skillful drivers that ever sat on a piece of Indianapolis fire apparatus. The story is told that the board of safety considered retiring Smith because of his age. A member of the board was at the firehouse when an alarm came in, Tom sprang to his seat and tripped the harness with a single action and as soon as the harness snapped the horses sped out the door. Tom was as agile and muscular as a man half his age, the topic of retirement would no longer be considered.

The firefighter’s processional will begin @ 10:00am at the 34th St. entrance of the Crown Hill Cemetery and proceed to Section 97 (Heroes of Public Safety Section). For more information on this event or the organization, visit www.indyblackfirefighters.com or call 317-253-0323

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.