Fire crews were dispatched to Windmark Court in Whitestown, Indiana, after an apartment building under construction caught fire. The Whitestown Fire Department issued a statement on the incident via a Facebook post. Officials have asked residents to stay away from the area to allow emergency vehicles to operate without hindrance.
The fire department did not immediately release details about the cause of the fire.
Thunder and lightning before apartment caught fire
However, a local resident commented on the fire department's post, saying her husband saw lightning and heard a loud crack of thunder. “My husband saw lightning and heard a crack of thunder around 10:45pm that he said was very close. We're on W. Pierce by the trail,” she wrote.
Mason Asher, an independent journalist on X from Indiana, shared visuals of the huge fire. He wrote, “Fire after a lightning strike in Whitestown. Hit an apartment complex under construction right outside of the Walker Farms entrance.”
Another user on Facebook wrote, “Be safe out there. I was wondering what all the sirens were for. It sounded like something was hit by lightning during that storm.”
{{/usCountry}}Another user on Facebook wrote, “Be safe out there. I was wondering what all the sirens were for. It sounded like something was hit by lightning during that storm.”
{{/usCountry}}Some users also confirmed hearing thunder throughout the evening. A user on Facebook wrote, “We definitely got a lot of thunder this evening. Hopefully everything pans out okay. Stay safe.”
As of the latest update, officials had not confirmed whether weather conditions played a role in the fire.
Fire crews and mutual aids sent on site
The Whitestown Fire Department urged people to avoid Windmark Ct. while firefighters managed the response.
Officials said keeping roads clear would help fire apparatus reach the scene and allow crews to safely conduct operations.
Mutual aid companies were also sent to assist Whitestown firefighters. Fire departments often request mutual aid support during larger incidents to provide additional personnel, equipment and emergency coverage.
One user, however, complained about the Boone County SO and wrote, “Good job, WFD. However, I’m disgusted by the Boone County SO by abusing their power and wrongfully detaining civilians who are simply taking photos and expressing their 1st amendment rights to freedom of the press FROM A PUBLIC SIDEWALK IN AN HOA.”
Another user on Facebook commented under the fire department's post and thanked them, saying, “The fire is going down, hopefully it’ll be gone soon. thank you for your hard work.”