Huffman Street Fire

photo2May 7, 2013 - The Fort Wayne Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 901 Huffman Street, a multi-unit residential building with commercial property on the first floor.  On arrival crews found heavy fire and smoke showing on the exterior of the building.  Crews made entry and were able to determine all residents had self-evacuated.  While extinguishing the blaze, there was a small explosion forcing firefighters from the structure until the gas could be shut off.  Nispco was forced to dig for a shut off point away from the fire site, as the structure's gas meter/shut off valve was involved in fire.  By Nipsco's recommendation, properties within 500 feet of the fire site were evacuated affecting six houses and 10 additional people.  Red Cross was called to assist those affected by this fire.  Once the gas was shut off, firefighters were forced to fight the fire defensively, as the structure's integrity was compromised.  It was then determined the building would be razed.  No injuries were reported.  The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.  FWPD, TRAA, Nipsco, AEP, Neighborhood Code and Red Cross assisted on the scene.