Three Firefighters Injured In West Side Fire

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Three Indianapolis firefighters are being treated at Methodist Hospital after responding to a vacant house fire on the city's west side Friday morning, IFD says. Department officials say a Mayday was issued after two firefighters fell through the floor into the basement, and one was hit on the head by a falling beam. IFD says crews showed up to the vacant home at 209 S. Warman Ave. at 6 a.m., where they found heavy flames from the first floor.

IFD detail the early morning incidents as one firefighter falling through a hole down into the basement from the first floor, and the other just reaching the second story when the floor gave way and he fell from the second floor, through the first floor and into the basement. IFD says the third firefighter was on the first floor when he was hit in the head by a falling beam, knocking off his helmet despite his face piece and secured chin strap.

All three firefighters were transported to Methodist to be checked out for back, elbow, neck, arm and shoulder pain, IFD officials say.

The department notes their firefighters have battled 27 structure fires just this month, 13 of those being vacant structures, as neighbors are reporting activity happening in and around the vacant areas.

"Whether the cause is trespassing by squatters trying to keep warm, the crime of arson or any other reason – making unauthorized entry into a structure is illegal and needs to be reported to IMPD," Rita Reith, IFD Battalion Chief, said. "We are asking that everyone keep a vigilant eye on their neighborhood and report suspicious activity. This is the second time in less than a month (October 31 at Michigan & Ketcham) that three firefighters have been injured while battling a vacant structure which makes six. The structural integrity of these homes is often compromised either due to the lack of maintenance, vandalism, arson or theft and presents a huge and significant safety issue for firefighters responding to the fire. Please help keep us safe as we respond to keep you safe."

IFD officials say damage from this fire is estimated at $60,000 and the cause remains under investigation.

More information and photo credit: Indianapolis Fire Department