Drivers on 16th Street got an abrupt change of plans Friday night when a heavy building fire at 16th Street and Livingston Avenue, just outside the town of Speedway, sent thick smoke over the neighborhood and shut down traffic in both directions. Fire crews pulled multiple supply lines across the roadway, forcing long detours and prompting officials to tell motorists to stay away. The department later said the blaze was under control, but warned that cleanup and mop-up would keep firefighters on scene for hours.
Speedway Fire Department Update
In a Facebook post, the Speedway Fire Department said multiple companies from Speedway, the Indianapolis Fire Department and Wayne Township responded to the fire, with large supply lines stretched across 16th Street. The post reminded drivers not to drive over those lines and confirmed that crews had the blaze under control while mop-up and scene rehabilitation continued. Officials did not immediately release any information on possible injuries or what started the fire.
Why Crossing Supply Lines Is Prohibited
Running a car over a charged fire hose is not just bad manners, it is illegal in many places. Unprotected hose can be damaged by vehicle weight, which can cut water to the firefighters who are relying on it and put crews in danger. As one example, Florida law specifically bans driving over an unprotected fire hose and treats it as a traffic infraction, per the Florida Statutes. Mutual aid among Speedway, Indianapolis and Wayne Township on larger incidents is also a routine sight, as a February overnight blaze response showed.
Traffic Impacts And What To Expect
Drivers should be ready for lane closures and lingering delays on 16th Street while firefighters clear gear, repack hose and finish rehabilitating the scene. The Speedway Fire Department said the cleanup phase will take time and again asked motorists to use alternate routes whenever possible, according to the department's post. If you come across active fire operations, do not drive over supply lines and follow instructions from emergency personnel directing traffic at the scene.
