Electrical fire damages roof, attic at Plymouth's Heartland Art Center

An electrical fire caused by a metal downspout contacting a power line damaged the roof and attic of the Heartland Art Center on Wednesday afternoon.

The Plymouth Fire Department was dispatched to 214 North Michigan Street at approximately 2:30 p.m. after reports of popping sounds behind Pizza Bills and a power outage.

Plymouth Police responded to control traffic on Michigan Street while firefighters investigated. Upon arrival, crews found flames showing on the alley rooftop.

Assistant Fire Chief Chuy Garcia said firefighters discovered a downspout that was partially on the roof and leaning against a power line. "This was causing the metal gutter to be charged with power, which was causing fire at that location," Garcia said.

Firefighters staged an aerial truck on Michigan Street and lifted firefighters to the roof. Crews entering the structure found smoke on the upper floor and fire in the attic space.

NIPSCO arrived and shut off power and gas to all buildings on the block. All structures were evacuated as a precaution.

The fire was knocked down quickly, but firefighters had to break through the ceiling in several locations to search for fire extensions. The fire caused minimal damage, though there was water damage to the floor that seeped down to the main level.

Garcia said he did not believe any artwork was damaged in the incident.

The Plymouth Fire Department was assisted by Argos Fire, LaPaz Fire, and Culver Fire departments. No injuries were reported.