Major Downtown Fire In Indianapolis
Fire Rages In Downtown Indianapolis - Indiana News Story - WRTV Indianapolis
A large, three-alarm fire raged Thursday morning at an under-construction condominium complex a few blocks north of the Indiana Statehouse downtown.
No injuries were reported, but about 125 firefighters were sent to the scene at Michigan Street and Senate Avenue to bring the fire at the Cosmopolitan on the Canal complex under control.
Indianapolis Fire Department spokeswoman Rita Reith said three buildings burned and all are considered a total loss. She said the buildings were valued at $28 million.
The buildings included a condominium complex, parking garage and cafeteria. The condominiums had been expected to be ready for occupancy this spring.
The fire, which began at about 3:30 a.m., sent smoke billowing across the Indianapolis skyline as firefighters worked to keep the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings.
"They've got it contained and they're working on keeping it at bay so that it doesn't spread," Reith said.
The blaze caused at least some exterior damage to the Historic Landmarks Foundation building, adjacent to the condominiums.
"The fact that they were able to save the building just south of it was remarkable," said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, who arrived at the scene about an hour after the fire began.
Residents were told to evacuate nearby buildings. The downtown canal was aglow as flames towered high into the air.
Firefighters expected they would be at the scene all day.
