Indianapolis simultaneous junkyard fires with hazmat 3/30/24

[LaurenSkye]

The Indianapolis Fire Department battled two simultaneous unrelated junk vehicle fires Saturday evening. One fire was determined to be arson the other undetermined as of yet.

IFD: Multiple vehicles burned, arson causes diesel leak into creek

Several vehicles were damaged on Saturday in fires on the south and southwest sides of Indianapolis, causing diesel to run into a nearby creek.

www.wrtv.com

Additional Information from Indianapolis Fire Department on Facebook:
1st Fire:

6:40 PM - IF Fire Investigators say a fire was intentionally set, ARSON, at 6749 S Tibbs Ave and caused damage to several out of service Semi Trailers, a Cement Mixer and a Semi Cab. Additionally, the fire caused the rupture of several saddle tanks still full of diesel fuel, which led to runoff into a nearby creek. #IFD HazMat teams were called to contain the fuel and off load it into overpack barrels. 2/3 of the fuel was successfully off loaded and 1/3 remained in the tanks - absorbed with oil dry after the heavy fire damage to the trailers made work difficult for firefighters to remove the fuel. HazMat crews also used absorbent materials to contain the runoff and are working with Marion County Health and DPW for assistance. The fire was marked under control in 25 minutes with no injuries.
Anyone with info about this fire is asked to call the Indiana Arson Hotline at 1-800-382-4628 or email TIPS1@dhs.in.go

2nd fire:

7:14 PM - #IFD Fire Investigators have not yet determined what may have caused a fire at 2614 W Vermont that did significant damage to 15 cars, 3 Semi Trucks and a small commercial bus. Heavy black smoke was visible for miles prompting multiple calls to 911. The fire was marked under control in 45 minutes and command terminated at 9:21 PM. No injuries. Marion County Health was requested to the scene for Assistance. Speedway Fire Department assisted.