INDIANAPOLIS — Flames were visible from Interstate 65 in downtown Indianapolis Saturday night when a large fire broke out in the 900 block of North Pennsylvania Street, near 10th Street.
According the Indianapolis Fire Department, the fire was initially reported as a building alarm around 9:35 p.m. Oct. 26. When firefighters arrived, they found the Helping Veterans and Families building, and its surrounding apartments, engulfed in flames.
IFD says the two-story building had 39 units housing at least 50 residents. The fire was escalated to a two-alarm fire after parts of the building began to collapse.
According to IFD, as of Sunday afternoon, they have located all 51 residents of the apartments. All occupants are said to be military veterans.
IFD says three people were taken to Eskenazi Hospital with slight injuries, and no firefighters were injured.
HVAF confirmed with 13News that the fire is under investigation by IFD and ATF.
The HVAF also says veterans have been relocated to local hotel rooms and that the foundation is working with their partners to provide appropriate support for affected residents.
The HVAF says donations to help the affected veterans can be made on their website by clicking here. The foundation has also set up an Amazon Wish List for those affected. Click here to view the wish list.