South Bend, IN – One person was taken to the hospital for evaluation Tuesday afternoon after a fire broke out inside an apartment at the Jefferson Apartments complex on the city’s southeast side.
According to the South Bend Fire Department, crews were dispatched just before 2:00 p.m. to the 3000 block of Rue Renoir following reports of a commercial fire. When firefighters arrived, they encountered heavy smoke and an active fire inside the kitchen of a single apartment unit.
Fire crews were able to quickly bring the flames under control and conducted checks to ensure the fire did not spread beyond the affected unit. Officials confirmed the fire was contained to the apartment where it started.
One adult occupant was transported to a local hospital as a precautionary measure. The individual’s condition has not been released.
Firefighters also rescued multiple animals from inside the apartment, including five cats, two dogs, two lizards, and one snake. According to fire officials, one dog did not survive. The remaining animals were suffering from smoke inhalation, and crews immediately began providing life-saving care on scene.
The South Bend Animal Resource Center responded to assist with treatment and transportation of the rescued animals for further care.
No firefighters were injured during the response. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Residents in nearby units were advised to avoid the area briefly while crews worked, but no additional evacuations were reported.
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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