Nearly 70 displaced following 2 fires at North Michigan Road apartment complex

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Nearly 70 people are without a place to stay after two fires at a North Michigan Road apartment complex, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department.

Just before 9 p.m. Wednesday, crews were called to a fire at the Highland Pointe Apartments in the 5400 block of North Michigan Road. That’s on the city’s north side.

Fire crews got that fire under control just before 10 p.m. There were no injuries. However, 44 units were affected, and most suffered smoke damage. Forty-five people have been displaced. The cause of the fire was electrical.

Then just before 3 a.m. Thursday, Indianapolis Fire Department responded to a second fire at a different building in the same apartment complex. Crews got that fire under control around 3:30 a.m. There were also no injuries associated with the second fire, but 12 units were damaged, displacing approximately 24 people. The cause of the second fire has not yet been determined.

The Indiana Region of the American Red Cross said Thursday afternoon that it’s providing support to more the displaced people. The Red Cross opened a noncongregate shelter at a nearby hotel. Volunteers also provided them with food, and mental and health services. All COVID-19 protocols are being followed during the disaster response.

“Our volunteers stand ready to answer the call to assist those in need,” said Chad Priest, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross-Indiana Region, in a news release. “Even on Thanksgiving, volunteers are serving those families who have experienced a devastating event. We are thankful for their commitment to serve during the holiday.”