Indianapolis, Indiana:

Indianapolis Fire Department

Sunday May 29, 2022

 

Working Apartment Fire

947 N Pennsylvania St
Lucille Raines Residence
Dispatched at 5:06 AM
First Unit on scene – EG07 at 5:10 AM
6 Story Structure, Ordinary Construction – Evacuation in progress
Nothing showing from the exterior – Smell of smoke in the air
Investigation found heavy smoke on the 4th floor
Marked working at 5:13 AM
18 IFD Units Dispatched
2 Handlines – 2 Supply Lines – 1 Aerial Ops
Aggressive interior attack
Visible fire now showing from rear 4th floor– Occupants evacuating down fire escape at 5:18 AM
Water on the fire at 5:18 AM
Fire under control at 5:27 AM
Female victim Located in 4th floor fire apartment at 5:31 AM

Utilities Secured
Primary and Secondary search of entire structure proved all clear at 5:39 AM

Working Smoke Alarms – residents say they were alerted by alarms
IMPD on Scene

IEMS on Scene

Incident Commander – Battalion Chief Brad Thompson
Command terminated at 7:01 AM
Building has 49 Units – 46 of which are occupied
45 occupants evacuated – All 46 residents accounted for – including the fatality
Several occupants checked by IEMS medical at the scene and released
No firefighter injuries
All occupants were able to return to their apartments at 7:03 AM – no occupants displaced
IFD/IMPD Fire Investigations – The fire has been ruled accidental although the specific cause is still undetermined at this time
IMPD Homicide on scene per standard protocol

Witnesses told firefighters that the victim of the fire evacuated and re-entered her apartment, twice, before being overcome by the toxic effects of the smoke.  After re-entering the second time, she did not make it out.  The Indianapolis Fire Department would like to remind everyone – If a fire occurs in your home, apartment or building – please do not try and re-enter – to gather personal effects or pets. Get Out and Stay Out.  The toxic effects of smoke will render you unconscious in minutes and can prove to be fatal – as evidenced by today’s unfortunate fatality.   Our thoughts are with all who are affected by her loss.

 

Credit: Rita L Reith, MPIO