BLOOMINGTON — A four-story apartment complex caught fire early Wednesday in the 500 block of North Lincoln Street and left 40 residents without a home.
Firefighters were alerted to the fire at 10:31 a.m. and arrived within three minutes of several 911 calls.
Firefighters took decisive action to ensure that all residents were accounted for while beginning fire suppression efforts. On arrival, firefighters immediately saw smoke from the apartment building, and many residents had already evacuated the building due to the fire alarm activation.
Fighting the fire took the entire shift of operational BFD firefighters, as well as two crews from Monroe Fire Protection District, responding to a mutual aid request.
The building construction allowed the fire to spread quickly through hidden void spaces, resulting in significant fire, smoke, and water damage to 18 apartments. The damage to the building displaced over 40 occupants, many of which were Indiana University (IU) students.
Several pets escaped the apartments during firefighting efforts, and Bloomington Animal Care & Control responded to the scene to help recover and care for multiple pets. Pet owners from the building may seek missing pets at the Bloomington Animal Shelter. Stray recovery (impound) fees for any pets displaced by this fire will be waived. Pet owners can reach the animal shelter at 812-349-3492 or follow the lost & found pets recovery process at https://bton.in/e1QAT. Nearby residents can help their neighbors by being watchful for any pets that may be wandering and contacting Animal Control.
BFD notified the American Red Cross and IU Dean of Students office, both of which are actively assisting the displaced residents. Pavilion Properties, the rental management company, is also involved in helping its residents. In the event a resident returns to their apartment to discover fire, smoke, or water damage, they should contact the property managers at 812-333-2332.
The Bloomington Fire Department reported no residents were injured, however, two firefighters were transported to an area hospital for evaluation and then later released.
“BFD appreciates the assistance received today from the American Red Cross, Bloomington Animal Care and Control, Bloomington Police Department, Indiana University’s Dean of Students Office, IU Health, IU Police Department, Lifeline’s ambulance crews, and Monroe Fire Protection District,” said Fire Chief Jason Moore. “Communication, collaboration, and of course, the quick response of our Bloomington firefighters kept residents safe and stopped the fire from spreading to other structures.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and details are expected to be released when the fire incident report is finalized.
