Apartments damaged by fire in Elkhart

ELKHART, Ind. – Seventeen apartments were affected by smoke, heat, and water damage following a fire on Monday morning, the Elkhart Fire Department reported.

At 11:24 a.m., firefighters were called to a three-story multi-family complex in the 3000 block of E Lane for reports of a possible structure fire.

The first engine that arrived at the scene reported a large apartment building with light smoke coming from the attic/roof along the west end of the building, reports said.

Residents were evacuating the complex as the Fire Department arrived.

Firefighters deployed attack lines to the third floor to extinguish the fire.

All apartments were searched and remaining residents were evacuated.

The fire was under control after approximately 30 minutes, according to reports.

The fire was contained to a third-floor apartment balcony, attic space above, and one building section.

No injuries were reported.

Smoke, heat, and water damaged 17 apartments, displacing many families. The Red Cross was contacted to help those affected.

Once the fire was extinguished, the Fire Department helped families collect personal items form their apartments.