By Laura French
INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana firefighter sustained serious injuries while battling an intentionally set fire at a vacant motel on Saturday.
Indianapolis and Decatur Township firefighters responded to the former Best Inn Motel just after midnight on Saturday, where heavy fire was reported on the first floor of the two-story structure. Officials said there had been at least eight previous fires at the same structure in the past.
While fighting the blaze, a Decatur Township firefighter was knocked off his feet by a supply line that suddenly jerked, causing him to go into the air and then fall back to the ground, WISH reports. The firefighter was transported to the hospital with serious injuries but has since been released and is recovering, according to the Decatur Township Fire Department.
The blaze was brought under control in about 15 minutes. Indianapolis fire officials said the blaze was intentionally set. Decatur Township fire officials noted the dangers that vacant structure fires pose to first responders and asked for the public to any suspicious activity.
“The place we respond to that puts worry on our minds are the vacant ones. There is a struggle with trash, furniture, and chemicals left behind that firefighters encounter when entering the unknown,” the Decatur Township Fire Department posted on Facebook. “We ask that you help us stay safe by reporting illegal trespassing onto and into vacant properties in your area as often as you see it. Please don’t wait until a fire breaks out and affects the home or community you live in to report a trespasser.”
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