TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Monday we reported the arrests of two juveniles in connection to a Sunday night arson in the 1700 block of Maple Avenue.
The fire was set almost a week ago, and the Terre Haute Fire Department is still working to put it out.
Arson Investigator Norm Loudermilk said a few spots are still smoldering at the scene.
“Those things that are left here that we could not extinguish no matter how much water we put on it because we don’t have the materials to turn that fire over. It’s kind of like a campfire with a log,” he explained. “You pour water on top of it, the bottom is still going to burn. And until you turn that log over and extinguish the bottom of it you’re not going to get that fire put out.”
Bits and pieces of tar, wood and remnants of the warehouse ceiling are still on fire, buried under brick.
The department is urging residents to stay off of the property as they work to completely extinguish the smolder.
“We’re just trying to work with the insurance company with the owner and trying to get some heavy equipment available so we might be able to get rid of some of this material,” he said. “And spray it with water so we can get it actually put out.”
Loudermilk wants to remind residents that stepping onto the property is trespassing.
