GRIFFITH, Ind. – A fire erupted at Griffith-Merrillville Airport, resulting in the collapse of a hangar roof on Thursday night in northwest Indiana. The incident, which occurred around 11:30 p.m., prompted a swift response from emergency services.

Fire Breaks Out

The blaze was first noticed by a police officer from the Lake County (Ind.) Sheriff’s Department, who observed a small fire at the airport premises. The fire quickly intensified, engulfing the hangar and prompting authorities to summon assistance from multiple jurisdictions.

Massive Response Effort

Firefighters from nine local jurisdictions rushed to the scene to combat the flames and prevent further damage. Despite their efforts, one of the hangar roofs succumbed to the fire, collapsing under the intense heat and flames.

Extensive Damage

The fire, which raged for several hours, was eventually extinguished around 3:30 a.m. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the incident. However, the extent of the damage sustained by the airport facilities, including any potential damage to aircraft housed in the hangar, remains unclear.

Investigation Underway

The cause of the fire remains undetermined and is currently under investigation by the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. Authorities are working diligently to ascertain the factors that contributed to the outbreak of the blaze and the subsequent collapse of the hangar roof.

Collaborative Recovery Efforts

As investigations into the fire at Griffith-Merrillville Airport continue, local authorities and emergency responders are focusing on ensuring the safety and security of the airport’s facilities. The incident underscores the importance of swift and coordinated response efforts in mitigating the impact of such emergencies and safeguarding public infrastructure.

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