INDIANAPOLIS — Investigators determined a fire that left a 48-year-old man in critical condition on Indianapolis' southwest side early Friday was intentionally set and are asking for the public's help.
Around 3:30 a.m. Dec. 8, firefighters responded to the 1300 block of South Belmont Avenue, a few blocks south of West Morris Street, for a report of a detached garage on fire.
Firefighters found a building on fire, with an attached carport and car underneath engulfed in flames. After gaining access to the building, firefighters determined it was a detached garage that was converted into a home.
It took crews a while to make it through the home due to the layout, and they eventually found a 48-year-old man who had been sleeping. He was initially unresponsive when firefighters brought him out of the home shortly before 4 a.m., but was later breathing on his own when taken to a local hospital, Indianapolis Fire Department Battalion Chief Dave Cook told 13News.
IFD Battalion Chief Rita Reith said the man remains in critical condition but is alert.
Firefighters confirmed the man lives at the home with his wife and two children, who were out of town but are on their way back.
No other people were found inside, and no firefighters were injured.
Cook estimated the building was a total loss. Reith said there were no working smoke detectors in the home.
In an update Friday morning, IFD said investigators had determined the fire had been intentionally set. The department is asking anyone with information on the incident to contact one of these offices:
- Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana: 317-262-8477
- IFD/IMPD Fire Investigations office: 317-327-6700
- Indiana Arson Hotline: 1-800-382-4628
Callers may receive an award up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Callers are not required to provide their name.