Man facing arson charge in apartment fire on South Bend's west side

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- An apartment building caught fire around 10:40 p.m. on October 25 in the west side of town.

The fire was reported to South Bend Fire Department at 10:41 p.m.

Crews cleared the scene around 3:23 a.m. on October 26.

There have been no injuries reported.

Approximately 10-12 people were displaced by the fire.

Red Cross is being asked to assist those affected.

A man was taken into custody on the scene. The man, Antonio Martinez, has been charged with one count of arson.

The fire investigator has not yet been able to enter the building due to extensive damage.

Part of South Carlisle St is currently closed due to the amount of debris in the road from the fire.

Crews were called back to the scene at 8:03 a.m. on October 26 when ABC57's reporter Emily Arnold, who was reporting live at the building, noticed smoke coming from the roof of the building.

The fire had reignited from embers whipped up by morning winds.

Two fire trucks, multiple EMS vehicles, and multiple police vehicles arrived only minutes after the second call was placed.

As of last check, crews are still working to put out the hotspots.

The building was still empty from evacuation from the initial fire.

Antonio Martinez


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