Early morning fire displaces 12 people on east side of Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS — Twelve people are without a place to stay after a fire early Sunday morning on the east side of Indianapolis.

The Indianapolis Fire Department said the fire that began in a vacant two-story house just before 5 a.m. in the 10 block of North Keystone Avenue and spread to two other buildings on both sides of it where the people lived.

Nine people resided in an apartment building to the south, while three others lived in a house to the north. None of the 12 people suffered injuries.

IFD said the residents reported seeing squatters inside and outside the vacant house.

The fire was under control in one hour, IFD said. A firefighter required treatment after being bitten by a rescued cat they were trying to resuscitate. The cat did not survive.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, and IFD Victims Assistance will work with the Red Cross to find shelter for the people who lost their homes.