FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Two people were hospitalized following a fire at an apartment building in downtown Fort Wayne early Sunday morning.
The Fort Wayne Fire Department says that crews responded to the Fulton Apartments on Fulton Street between Washington Blvd. and Wayne St around 5:41 a.m. They found fire rising from the basement through the building where 19 people were inside.
Firefighters had to use ladders to rescue residents from windows. 12 people were able to get out on their own but seven people had to be rescued.
According to the FWFD, two people were taken to the hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The other rescued residents either did not need treatment or refused care.
The fire was under control by 6:09 a.m. and crews then focused on the removal of smoke from the building.
The building suffered heavy smoke damage as well as moderate fire and water damage. The official cause is still under investigation.
The following was issued by the FWFD:
FWFD responded to reports of a fire in a three story apartment building this morning with 19 occupied apartments. First arriving crews found smoke and flames coming from a basement apartment on the NW corner of the building. This fire created heavy smoke which filled the top floors of the apartment building, requiring multiple rescues from windows using ground ladders. Seven individuals were rescued from the building via either ladder or the front door. Two of the victims were transported to local hospitals and treated for non-life threatening injuries. The other five either did not need treatment, or refused. The fire was brought under control quickly and crews then focused on removal of smoke from the building. FWFD received assistance from AEP, NIPSCO, NCE, FWPD, and the Red Cross. There were no injuries to firefighters.
