Indianapolis firefighters fought at least 10 overnight fires near the downtown area, most of which appeared to be intentionally set. Although most of the affected homes and building were unoccupied, at least one was occupied with four persons, critically injuring two. The historic Kemper House at 10th & Delaware, once owned by Eli Lilly, was among the houses that caught fire. The Star provided a list of some of the reported overnight fires:
12:03 AM -- Arson, 945 North Dearborn Street, vacant home, $25,000 damage.
12:23 AM -- Arson, 1725 Nelson Ave., trash fire.
12:35 a.m. - 1602 Nelson Ave. garage, $15,000' spread to 1604 Nelson Ave., shed, $1,500.
12:37 AM --- Arson, 2517 E 9th St, vacant residence, $25,000.
12:55 AM -- Arson, 34 Karcher Street, vacant residence, $75,000.
3: 15 AM -- Under investigation, 1028 N Delaware Street, Historic Kemper Building, vacant, $80,000.
3:57 AM -- Arson, 1431 S. Talbott Street, vacant residence, $500.
4:36 AM -- Under investigation, 1230 S Meridian Street, vacant apartment building, $5,000
UPDATE: One of the critically injured persons, 63-year-old Anna Harris, has died. Fire investigators say the fire appears to have started near the front door, which makes its origins suspicious.
