February 21, 2014

No serious injuries as fire damages Marian University classroom building; cause still under investigation

Criterion staff report

A small fire broke out in a classroom building at Marian University in Indianapolis about 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 while 16 students and an alumnus were practicing for an upcoming play.

According to media reports, the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) reported seeing smoke coming from the roof when crews arrived.

One person was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation, but was not transferred to a hospital. No other injuries were reported.

According to the IFD, the fire started in the attic of Fisher Hall. The building, completed in 1910, was the home of Carl Fisher, one of the founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Damages are estimated at $250,000.

Mark Apple, spokesman for Marian University, said classes in Fisher Hall would be moved to another building.

Marian University, located at 3200 Cold Spring Road on Indianapolis’ west side, is a Catholic university founded in 1937 by the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg. †

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