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Fire at HVAF facility in Indianapolis displaced 51 homeless veterans
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Fire at HVAF facility in Indianapolis displaced 51 homeless veterans

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A massive fire broke out late Saturday at a housing facility for homeless U.S. military veterans in the 900 block of North Pennsylvania Avenue, displacing dozens of people sheltered there and destroying 39 units.

As of 03.40 on Sunday, 46 out of 51 people were staying at home. Colonel Donald W. Moreau Sr. Veterans Community Center He was held accountable, the Indianapolis Fire Department said in a news release. It is not clear whether the missing persons were at home at the time of the fire. The ministry said that 3 people with minor injuries were transferred to Eskenazi Hospital.

community centre, Indiana Inc. We Help Veterans and Their Families Indiana HVAF is the largest provider of comprehensive services for veterans experiencing or facing homelessness, according to its website. It also serves active-duty, reserve and National Guard members.

HVAF provides housing to more than 150 veterans through 14 properties. The nonprofit also provides temporary housing, employment services and pantries for veterans who are at-risk or experiencing homelessness.

Indianapolis firefighters first responded to a general fire alarm near 10th Street and the Indianapolis Public Library downtown around 9:35 p.m., the news release said. They saw a fire burning on the second floor of the two-story building, sending a red glow and smoke into the night sky.

The fire was upgraded to a second alarm, IFD said in the news release. A large number of troops were dispatched to fight the fire. The ministry said there were people in the building and at least 18 people had been removed as of 22.06.

According to IFD, it took three and a half hours to bring the fire under control. All of the named residents are currently in hotels in the area.

Many institutions and organizations assisted at the scene. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services were also present, as were the Indianapolis Fire Department Rehabilitation Support Unit and Victim Assistance. The Red Cross and the Salvation Army also provided assistance.

IndyGo transit buses were used at the scene to help shelter victims. The fire department said local small businesses like The Den Indy and Living Room Lounge offered logistical assistance, food and water to firefighters battling the blaze.

Check back for more updates.

Contact IndyStar investigative reporter Alexandria Burris at: [email protected]. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter): @allyburris.