INDIANAPOLIS — Investigators are working to determine whether fireworks may have caused a fire that destroyed several cars and damaged multiple structures at a north Indianapolis apartment complex late Tuesday.
Shortly before 11:30 p.m., crews were called to the 6700 block of Gateshead Lane, at the Summit at Keystone Apartments near 65th Street and North Keystone Avenue, for a reported dumpster fire.
At the scene, crews found a dumpster, multiple cars and a carport on fire, and requested additional resources in fighting the fire, which began to spread to the outside of a nearby apartment building.
"It was just a big disaster," Jordan Vega said.
Vega believes the fire resulted from inappropriately handling fireworks.
"I feel bad for the people over there because those are their cars, and I see guys over there working on that car each day. Knowing that that car is ruined, it kind of sucks for them. I feel bad," Vega said.
Neighbor Antoine Strickland arrived home after the fire started.
"It started off as a fire in the garbage in the dumpster," Strickland said.
The fire incinerated the dumpster.
"Coming home to this after the Fourth of July is kind of crazy, so I'm just waking up to this, actually," Strickland said.
Crews were able to bring the fire under control within about 30 minutes. One firefighter suffered a minor injury and was treated at the scene.
Three cars and the carport were destroyed, and seven more cars were damaged.
Aftermath of fire at north Indianapolis apartment complex
No occupants were displaced in the apartment building, as most of the damage was limited to the exterior, the Indianapolis Fire Department said.
Witnesses at the scene told firefighters that multiple people were launching fireworks in the area of the dumpster and carport before the fire began.