Fire Does $1 Million In Damage To Indianapolis Church

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Indianapolis Fire Department officials said no one was injured in a Tuesday morning fire at an Indianapolis Lutheran church, however damage from the flames is estimated at $1 million. IFD said a passerby called 911 just after 9 a.m. reporting smoke coming from Our Savior Lutheran Church, 261 West 25th Street. IFD crews arrived on scene at 9:10 a.m. and were met with smoke showing from several parts of the church.

According to IFD, a second alarm was ordered eight minutes later, leading to a total of 70 firefighters on scene.

Fire crews were able to locate the flames in the church basement, which didn't extend into the upper floor area. However, IFD said there was heavy black smoke throughout the building.

The fire was under control just before 9:45 a.m., and IFD said no one was inside the church when it started.

IFD said the church has insurance, and the fire is under investigation by IFD and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department fire investigators.

The Co-Director of Our Savior Lutheran Church, James Boyd, told IFD the church was established in 1939, and its 80th anniversary will be celebrated on Oct. 19, 2019. The church has 50 families as members.

Images via Indianapolis Fire Department