INDIANAPOLIS — A major fire destroyed a vacant tire shop on Indianapolis’ near east side Sunday evening, requiring more than 60 firefighters and over five hours to extinguish.
According to the Indianapolis Fire Department, crews responded to multiple 911 calls reporting heavy fire and smoke at 5239 E. Washington Street near North Butler Avenue. Engine 25 arrived first at 6:59 p.m. to find smoke showing with fire breaking through the roof.
The situation escalated when neighbors reported possible squatters living inside the building at 7:16 p.m. Firefighters conducted a hasty search one minute later.
Structural collapse became a major concern as crews reported a wall collapse at 7:18 p.m. Command ordered all firefighters to exit the building at 7:19 p.m. due to roof collapse danger…