Indianapolis, IN – Fire crews spent more than three hours this morning bringing a major structure fire under control after a long-vacant building on Indy’s east side went up in flames following what neighbors described as an overnight rave inside the property.
According to the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD), nearby residents told building owners that between 50 and 100 people were inside the structure until about 4 a.m. Sunday. Despite the activity, no one reportedly called police before the fire began. The building has been vacant for more than 20 years and has a history of repeated break-ins and squatter activity.
IFD crews were dispatched around 8:39 a.m. and arrived to find heavy fire and smoke pouring from the building. A second alarm was issued, and command ordered all operations to shift defensive due to the conditions inside the structure.
According to IFD, firefighters initially struggled to maintain strong water pressure because of the high number of engines pulling from the hydrant system and the smaller water mains in the area. IFD worked with Citizens Energy to make rapid adjustments to stabilize water flow, allowing crews to maintain continuous attack on the fire.
The blaze was brought under control in 3 hours and 20 minutes, officials said. No injuries were reported. IndyGo supplied a bus on-site to keep firefighters warm during rehabilitation rotations.
Residents near the area reported hearing loud music overnight but were unaware of the large number of people allegedly inside prior to the fire. Officials have not yet determined a cause, and the investigation remains active.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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