INDIANAPOLIS — Three adults and 12 kids were displaced after a fire broke out in a carport beneath apartments on the northeast side of Indianapolis.
According to IFD, a fire broke out in a carport and extended in apartment in the 5800 block of Cedarstone Court. That's at the Residences on 56th Street apartment complex shortly before 3 a.m.
The fire department has ruled the fire started intentionally.
Neighbors captured video of the car engulfed in flames.
WATCH | Video shows burned car
"I thought it was a thief or something then I heard someone running. I thought it was my dad so I went to go see if it was my dad or something. Then, I saw the fire," said neighbor Diana Allataifeh.
Diana Allatafieh said she heard the commotion. that started with a car alarm. Moments later, she looked out her window, and saw the blaze.
"It was scary to see this fire to see someone sleeping inside. It was just bad," she said.
She said her brother and other neighbors rushed to get the families out of their apartments.
WATCH | EMS crews work to get residents to safety
"My brother came with his car and started honking to get the people out," she said.
IFD said 1 person living there was checked out on scene.
A city of Lawrence firefighter was transported to a local hospital for an injury during the 45 minute battle with the fire.
IFD and a family friend told WRTV the owner of the car has no idea who could have purposely set it on fire.
Today, is her birthday and she said she doesn't have insurance.
The Red Cross is helping.
WATCH | WRTV on the scene as crews battle the fire on Cedarstone Court
"This morning, we had at least two volunteers, Disaster Action Team volunteers that responded and were able to help every single family involved. We opened cases for all of those households, and we are starting that process of providing the disaster casework. So, that's resources for extra food to fill their pantries, it's extra clothing or furniture items that they might have," said Brittany Crowe.
Brittany Crowe said Red Cross recovery teams and volunteers will provide resources needed for about a month, including mental health services.
"Even if that's helping them find a new place to live or working with their landlord or their homeowners or renter's insurance if they have that," said Crowe. "Once we're done with the about 30 days or so, our goal is to hopefully transfer them into to someone in the community that will be able to walk with them long term."
Investigators are still searching for the arsonist.
IFD Victims Assistance & Red Cross is working to find shelter for those impacted.
IFD asks anyone with information to call the Indiana Arson Hotline at 1-800-382-4628 or Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.
