BLOOMINGTON – Monroe Fire Protection District Firefighters responded to a structure fire in the 8100 block of South Strain Ridge Road at around 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The initial call indicated that something inside the home may have overheated or combusted. However, as fire crews were en route, dispatch received multiple additional reports of visible flames from the residence’s roof.
In response to the escalating situation, Battalion 22 upgraded the call to a structure fire, requesting additional units to assist in fighting the blaze. Engine 21 arrived to find a large fire on the roof. Family members at the scene informed firefighters that one individual was still inside the home.
Fortunately, the person was able to exit the residence on their own safely. Firefighters immediately began efforts to contain the fire, stretching a hose line to the upstairs bathroom area, where they discovered flames in the attic space. Crews worked quickly to pull down the ceiling in several rooms upstairs, extinguishing the remaining fire. The entire operation took approximately 15 minutes.
No injuries were reported, and one cat was rescued from the home. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The homeowner reported hearing popping and crackling sounds before discovering flames in the bathroom ceiling, where an exhaust fan had previously been installed.
Fire units from Engines 21, 22, 23, 29, 39, and Ellettsville 81, along with Battalion Chief 22, Chief 20, and Chief 21, responded to the scene. Duke Energy also arrived to secure power to the residence.
The investigation into the exact cause of the fire is ongoing.
