FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – A vacant industrial building off West Jacobs Avenue close to Wells Street was badly damaged in an overnight fire.
Fort Wayne Fire Department crews were called after officers with the Fort Wayne Police Department were notified of suspicious activity in the area of 200 W. Jacobs Avenue.
Officers discovered smoke coming from an old Valspar paint factory. Fort Wayne firefighters responded to the scene just before 9:30 p.m. Monday. The FWFD says that firefighters have responded to this building several times in the past for trespassers.
When crews arrived on the scene they found heavy smoke coming from the second floor and had difficulty gaining entry.
FWFD officials say that due to previous fires and the discovery of large and numerous holes, the building had previously been deemed unsafe for firefighters to enter. The fire was fought from the outside, and “defensively”, added officials.
Firefighters were also hampered by freezing temperatures which caused issues with fire hydrants, too. Ladder trucks with elevated water streams were used.
As of 4 a.m. Tuesday, this morning, firefighters were still on the scene and expected to remain there for several hours. Firefighters were assisted by FWPD, TRAA, AEP, Neighborhood Code enforcement, and the Fort Wayne Building Department.
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