INDIANAPOLIS–Smoke and large orange flames could be seen for miles at a home on the north side of Indianapolis Monday night.
The fire was at 3615 North Capitol Avenue, which is not far from Crown Hill Cemetery, and near the intersection of 38th and Meridian streets. The fire started in one house and spread to another house at 3611 North Capitol. Firefighters with the Indianapolis Fire Department were dispatched to the home before 6:30 pm.
“The occupant of the main house where the fire started told firefighters that he noticed smoke coming out of one of his walls. He tried to put it out with a hose, but was unsuccessful, and he evacuated. He did what he thought was right and ended up losing the majority of his home, which is really sad. We did find out that his wife passed away in January, so he was hit with a double whammy so far this year, ” said Rita Reith, battalion chief with the Indianapolis Fire Department.
It took the firefighters about an hour to get the fire under control.
“He did have insurance, so I’m sure the insurance company will send in their own investigator based on what we find as well. Then they’ll try and compare notes,” said Reith.
Even though the exact cause of the fire is not known, Reith says the early indications are that it was an “electrical issue” that likely caused it.
The man who lives in 3615 has lived there for almost 50 years. His 21-year-old grandson was living with him. The man who lives in 3611 lives there with his girlfriend. Everybody in both of those houses has left to stay with other family members.
If you are in a situation where you see smoke or flames in your home, Reith recommends getting out of the home and staying out. Then she says calling your local fire department is your best bet.
“If you see smoke like that, get out and stay out. Let the firefighters come in and do their thing. They have equipment inside the wall like thermal imaging cameras,” said Reith.
LISTEN: Full Interview with Reith
