A heavy fire tore through a building at Greentree Apartments on Indianapolis' south side Friday afternoon, forcing multiple families out of their homes. Thick black smoke and visible flames pushed neighbors into the street while fire crews moved in to battle the blaze.
What officials say
According to the Indianapolis Fire Department, crews were dispatched to the 2200 block of Tamarack Lane at about 1:50 p.m. after 911 callers reported a first-floor fire. Firefighters arrived to find heavy black smoke and worked to contain the flames while investigators searched for where the fire started. The department described the incident as the second fire at the complex in five days and said the cause had not yet been determined, according to WISH-TV.
Where it happened
The Greentree Apartments complex is in the South Perry neighborhood on the city's south side, listed in the 2200 block of Tamarack Lane. Public rental listings place the property at 2524 Tamarack Ln, Indianapolis, according to Apartments.com.
Who was displaced
The Indianapolis Fire Department said the fire displaced 20 adults, 15 children and five cats, and several units were damaged. Officials said the department was working with the American Red Cross and the apartment's management to arrange shelter for everyone affected, per WISH-TV.
How residents can get help
The American Red Cross' Indiana Region provides emergency shelter, meals and casework support for people displaced by home and apartment fires, and it often sends volunteers and caseworkers to on-scene shelters. For information on local disaster services and contacts, visit the American Red Cross.
Fire investigators remained on scene into the evening, and officials stressed that details are still preliminary. This story will be updated as agencies release more information.
