It took over 150 firefighters to combat the massive three alarm fire at the Indianapolis Flying J truck stop which is estimated to have caused $2 million in damages to the facility.
Fire Started Near Restaurant At Flying J
Firefighters responded to a call to the Flying J on the 1700 block of Thompson Road around 7:30 last night. Truckers first spotted the blaze near the Denny’s restaurant at the truck stop, but it soon engulfed the building in a pillar of smoke and flames that could be seen for miles. But the time fire fighters arrived on the scene, flames were shooting through the roof of the building.
Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control by 9:45 p.m. Fortunately, the fire did not reach any of the gas pumps and none of the nearby propane tanks exploded.
No injuries were reported.
Restaurant Grease The Suspected Cause Of Fire
Though investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the blaze, much of their focus has been on a grease container outside of the Denny’s restaurant.
Around 2000 trucks visit the Flying J every day, with 100 to 200 trucks parking over night. Damages are estimated at $2 million and there is currently no word on when the truck stop will reopen.
Big ol’ fire at Flying J, south of 465, off 37, southside. Mostly out now. pic.twitter.com/vyjFok4mty
— Robert Scheer (@bobscheer) March 21, 2016
Sources:
Indianapolis Star
WTHI-TV
WPMI Local