Five suspicious fires near downtown keep IFD busy

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Five suspicious fires on the near north side kept Indianapolis firefighters busy overnight. The fires included a historic house on North Delaware Street and a double residence in the 1300 block of North New Jersey Street.

At 1:47 a.m.,  fire units were called to put out a trash fire near the Central Library building at 40 E. St. Clair St.

Just nine minutes later, there was another trash fire near the Tyndall Armory at 110 E. Walnut St.

At 2:08 a.m.,  firefighters were sent to the historic "Wedding Cake" house, at 1040 N. Delaware Street. Smoke and fire was showing as fire units arrived. There were power lines down as firefighters attacked the flames at the rear of the house. The blaze was brought under control within 30 minutes. Damage was estimated at $10,000.

At 2:46 a.m., another trash fire was reported at a residence at 221 E. 13th St.

Ten minutes later and just one block away, firefighters found heavy fire on the porch of a residence at 1244 N. New Jersey St. The residents were home at the time of the fire and told investigators they were watching television, heard a noise and then noticed thick black smoke pouring into the house. That fire was brought under control within 20 minutes. Damage was estimated at $70,000.

All five fires are under investigation. One witness provided a description of a possible suspect. Investigators said they would like to talk to the white male in his early 20s wearing a white jacket described as also being red, white and blue, with stars on the sleeve.