Fire near downtown Indy forces evacuations

INDIANAPOLIS — Authorities say a fire that engulfed a sprawling building near downtown Indianapolis has prompted the evacuation of a five-block area and rattled surrounding neighborhoods with exploding propane tanks.

Capt. Rita Burris of the Indianapolis Fire Department says about 100 firefighters from six departments are working to control the fire at the two-story brick building about a mile southwest of downtown Indianapolis.

The fire was reported Saturday afternoon in the mixed-use building that houses tire- and pallet-recycling businesses and storage facilities.

Burris says numerous small propane tanks have exploded inside the building, shaking the area.

She says one firefighter injured his knee fighting the blaze, which has produced a huge pillar of black smoke.

Firefighters are expected to remain at the scene through Saturday night working to douse the flames.