IFD: Fuel tank ignites, leading to junkyard fire

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A fuel tank being drained ignited a junkyard fire Tuesday morning on the city’s west side and left a large plume of smoke that was visible for miles.

Investigators said a fuel tank ignited while an employee was draining it.

A news release from Jason Kistler, public information officer for Indianapolis Fire Department said, “An employee with Mid-Town Recycling stated he was draining the fuel tank on a vehicle when the fuel ignited and started the fire. It is standard procedure for the salvage yard to drain fuel tanks on vehicles.”

The first fire crew arrived at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday at the junkyard in the 500 block of South Tibbs Avenue.

The fire consumed several vehicles and a large pile of salvaged material, the fire department said. The blaze was brought under control after about 70 minutes.

There were no injuries. The department gave no information on the estimated total of damages.

Wayne Township and Speedway fire departments assisted IFD.

The first fire crew arrived at 10:15 a.m. Sept. 24, 2019, at the junkyard of Mid-Town Recycling in the 500 block of South Tibbs Avenue. (Photo Provided/Indianapolis Fire Department)

The first fire crew arrived at 10:15 a.m. Sept. 24, 2019, at the junkyard of Mid-Town Recycling in the 500 block of South Tibbs Avenue. (Photo Provided/Indianapolis Fire Department)

The first fire crew arrived at 10:15 a.m. Sept. 24, 2019, at the junkyard of Mid-Town Recycling in the 500 block of South Tibbs Avenue. (Photo Provided/Indianapolis Fire Department)

The first fire crew arrived at 10:15 a.m. Sept. 24, 2019, at the junkyard of Mid-Town Recycling in the 500 block of South Tibbs Avenue. (Photo Provided/Indianapolis Fire Department)