INDIANAPOLIS — A 71-year-old man is in critical condition after a house fire on the city's near east side Wednesday morning.
Just after 11 a.m., IFD crews responded to the 1600 block of English Avenue for reports of a single-story structure fire with heavy smoke showing.
The fire was under control by 11:30 a.m.
Within two minutes after arriving on scene, firefighters found a 71-year-old man inside. He was transported to Eskenazi Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
A cat named Fluffy was also rescued by IFD and medics. Three other cats died and five are unaccounted for.
The man rescued from the home and another male have been displaced due to the fire. The other male was not home when the fire broke out.
The fire is under investigation. IFD Victims Assistance is working with the American Red Cross for shelter for the victims.