INDIANAPOLIS – A house fire on the city’s west side side killed 12 animals and destroyed a home Saturday afternoon.
Wayne Township firefighters said the single-story fire happened in the 5100 block of Miller Street around 2 p.m.
The fire killed 11 puppies and 1 cat, but everyone inside of the home escaped, said Mike Pruitt, with the department.
Firefighters called the home a “total loss” and said the fire originated from a space heater.
Wayne Township Victims Assistance will work with the family as a result of their home loss.
#Breaking: Working residence fire on Miller St. 2 people transported to Eskenazi. 11 puppies and 1 cat perished in the fire. No cause. pic.twitter.com/lOHaoufppQ
— Wayne Twp Fire Dept (@Waynetwpfire) March 4, 2017
Residence fire on Miller St that hospitalized 2 people was started by a space heater. 11 puppies and 1 cat perished. Home was a total loss. pic.twitter.com/BmDMiM6vZh
— Wayne Twp Fire Dept (@Waynetwpfire) March 4, 2017
Friday night another fire, due to a space heater, broke out and killed one man and an infant. It also sent a 4-year-old child to Riley Children’s Hospital in extremely critical condition.
RELATED | Infant, grandfather killed in house fire on Indy's south side, second toddler in critical condition
Officials with the Wayne Township Fire Department recommend keeping all space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible.
Most new space heaters have tilt features, so it will turn off if it falls over. Don't use extension cords with a space heater, officials said.
MORE | Tips to keep your home safe from fires | Family of 7 left homeless after space heater started fire | Space heater sparks fire leaving seven homeless