WASHINGTON, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — One woman has died following a fire in an apartment building in downtown Washington, Indiana.
The initial call came in around 9 a.m. of a fire in an apartment building near Third and Main streets Friday morning.
“When we got here there was fairly good smoke coming out the front door,” said Washington Fire Chief Steve Walden.
Firefighters found a woman, who lived in one of the two apartments in the building, had died.
“Knowing someone lost their life, just nothing pleasant about that,” said Chief Walden.
“We never like to lose any life,” added Mayor David Rhoads.
The building used to be the location of the old Hideaway Tavern. Vincennes firefighters assisted the Washington Fire Department and brought in an extra ladder truck.
Walden said they are not releasing the identity of the deceased female at this time. He says the occupants of the second apartment in the building were accounted for and o.k.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office is helping determine the cause for the blaze.
While smoke did enter some of the adjoining businesses, firefighters were able to kept flames from reaching them. Walden said fires can sometimes easily spread given the age of the downtown structures.
Firefighters remained at the scene for several hours to watch and make sure hot spots did not rekindle the fire.
Washington Mayor David Rhoads says once the fire investigation is complete, the city will work with the building’s owner to see if it can be saved.
This is a developing story, Follow mywabashvalley.com for updates as they become available.
