INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Fire Department is investigating after an abandoned church caught fire on the city's near west side Wednesday morning.
Firefighters received multiple calls around 3:30 a.m. of a fire at 298 N. Elder Ave. near West New York Street and North Belmont Avenue.
The first unit arrived a few minutes later to heavy fire showing.
The north side of the building collapsed just after 4 a.m.
The fire was under control nearly an hour after firefighters first arrived on scene and was put out 20 minutes later.
Firefighters determined there were no working smoke alarms in the two-story building.
Neighbors report the building, formerly a church, has been vacant for years.
No firefighters were injured in the run.
Investigators have ruled the fire was intentionally set.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.
