Fire Destroys Building in International Village

click on photos to expand

(top)The fire progressed from a small section at the northeast corner to engulf the entire building with a 30 minute span.

Photos by Jay Thompson

(posted June 30)

An intense wind driven blaze reduced one unit to rubble in International Village Monday afternoon. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a large column of smoke filling the sky from the building located along I465 just north of Hollister Drive.

The fire started around 3:21 pm and quickly spread as the 16 mph winds from the north pushed the fire further into the building. The Speedway Fire Department was assisted by Wayne Township and IFD units.

Water pressure became an issue for awhile as pumpers fed three aerial trucks. According to one firefighter, it is not unusual for water pressure to drop when relying on one water main. The drop in water pressure forced the firefighters to go to the Falender addition to tap into an additional fire hydrant.

Another obstacle that appeared to be hindering firefighting efforts was a natural gas line feeding the fire. Gas company employees appeared to be having problems turning off the valve two hours after the fire started.

Brad Melvin could see the smoke from the spaghetti bowl at I-65 and I-70 downtown. Melvin could detect the faint smell of smoke as he drove closer to downtown. "I never dreamed it would be here." Melvin was one of the bystanders that watched an apartment unit go down in flames on June 30.

David Schmalz said he hopes that no one is injured and feels for the tenants that are at work and have no idea they are coming home to nothing.

Town Council President Gary Raikes called it a tragedy and just hopes and prays there are no injuries.
Firefighters were preparing to start a search of the building as this story was being written.

Raikes was impressed with the fire crews accountability of always checking the safety of each firefighter.

JoAnn Threatt, director of public information for Wayne Township, said the township will assist with helping displaced people. She said the Red Cross has arrived and was at the IV office to help with relocation.