15 displaced by 3 Christmas morning fires; investigators believe 2 connected

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — At least 15 people were forced out of their homes on Christmas morning by three structure fires within a 2-mile radius on the near north side of Indianapolis. 

The first incident — believed to be an accidental electrical fire — was reported Tuesday around 1:20 a.m. in the 2500 block of North College Avenue, investigators said.

Flames erupted inside a wall between the first and second floors of the house, according to the fire department, and caused an estimated $40,000 of damage. 

Nine people, including six children, were displaced by the fire. The family evacuated in minutes — before smoke alarms even detected the blaze — thanks to a passerby who noticed flames and knocked on their door to alert them. No injuries were reported. 

The second fire, reported around 3 a.m. in the 1200 block of North New Jersey Street, was confined to the front porch of a three-story house owned by twin 73-year-old brothers. The incident caused an estimated $20,000 of damage and remained under investigation Tuesday afternoon. The brothers escaped unhurt and told firefighters they planned to stay with friends.

The third fire, reported around 3:30 a.m., destroyed a house in the 1400 block of North Alabama Street. A female resident told firefighters she was “awakened by the sound of popping” and discovered flames spreading from a front room. 

“She ran back upstairs and alerted her husband,” the fire department said in a statement. “Each grabbed one of the sleeping children and evacuated out the rear door.”

No injuries were reported but Christmas presents for the family’s two children, ages 5 and 7, were incinerated. Two cats remained unaccounted for hours after the incident. 

Fire and police officials said they were investigating a possible connection between the incidents at 1224 N. New Jersey St. and 1446 N. Alabama St.

Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-8477.