Woman dies after re-entering apartment twice during fire, Indiana officials say

A woman who left and re-entered her burning apartment twice died of smoke inhalation inside her apartment, Indiana fire officials say.

Firefighters responded to the blaze at an apartment building in Indianapolis at around 5 a.m. on Sunday, May 29, according to a statement from the Indianapolis Fire Department.

They found the woman in her apartment on the fourth floor, which was filled with smoke, according to the statement.

Witnesses later told firefighters that the woman had escaped and then re-entered her apartment twice, the statement says. After the second time, she became overwhelmed by smoke.

Most fire-related deaths are caused by smoke inhalation, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Smoke is made up of lethal particles, vapors and toxic gasses that can incapacitate a person in a matter of minutes.

“The Indianapolis Fire Department would like to remind everyone – If a fire occurs in your home, apartment or building – please do not try and re-enter - to gather personal effects or pets,” the Indianapolis Fire Department’s statement says. “Get Out and Stay Out. The toxic effects of smoke will render you unconscious in minutes and can prove to be fatal – as evidenced by today’s unfortunate fatality. “

This story was originally published May 29, 2022 at 3:44 PM with the headline "Woman dies after re-entering apartment twice during fire, Indiana officials say."