INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Fire Department is investigating after a fire destroyed a south side log cabin Saturday evening.
According to social media posts from the department, the fire was reported around 8:15 p.m. March 9 at a home in the 3400 block of West Thompson Road, near the new Interstate 465 and Interstate 69 interchange.
The fire was visible from the interstate for travelers between the Kentucky Avenue and Harding Street exits.
IFD said the nearest fire hydrant was roughly two miles away, necessitating backup tankers be called. In total, six tanker trucks from IFD, as well as Morgan and Hendricks counties, were called to the scene.
No one was home when the fire broke out, IFD said, and no firefighters were injured. Decatur Township firefighters were also called to assist in battling the fire.
The fire was brought under control shortly before 9:45 p.m., about one hour and 20 minutes after it was first reported. Crews remained at the scene for several more hours to extinguish hot spots.
"We don't know exactly what happened," said Nichol Kirby, the cabin's original owner. "But there was an add-on in the back where it was sort of a kitchen put up against the back of the house."
"This home was our best friend growing up," said Kirby, whose father built it in 1980.
One neighbor named Steve said the lack of fire hydrants in the area causes big issues.
"That raises my insurance by $500 every six months. I had to drop it because I can't afford it," Steve said.
Kirby said she hopes to be able to buy and rebuild the land in the future.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.