Garage fire jumps to neighbor's garage

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - A fire on Thursday on the city’s near northwest side involving two adjacent garages left one family’s property extensively damage.

Firefighters responded to a 911 call around 3:43 a.m. in the 800 block of North California Street and were able to get the incident under control within 20 minutes.

Heavy smoke and flames alerted a passerby of the fire, but the homeowners who were in the house sleeping were unaware of what was occurring. Homeowner Michelle Kavanaugh, two children, and a dog were safely evacuated without any injuries. Her husband, Pat Kavanaugh, was working a night shift during the time of the incident.

The fire allegedly started behind the home of 807 N. California St. and soon led to the unoccupied neighboring home’s garage. Damage was done to both garages but the Kavanaugh family’s convertible Camaro and other important belongings incurred the most damage. Michelle Kavanugh stated that the side of their home completely melted.

The firefighters confirmed the Kavanaugh family had working smoking detectors, but they did not activate during the time of the fire. The amount of property damage is said to cost around $75,000 and the family will stay with relatives until further notice.