GARY, INDIANA — July 14, 2026 — Gary firefighters rescued a trapped occupant from an early morning fire at an occupied multi-unit residential building in the 1800 block of Connecticut Street.

At approximately 12:55 a.m., the Gary Fire Department responded to a structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered intense heat and heavy smoke throughout the occupied building and were informed by a resident that one person remained trapped on the second floor.

Crews immediately initiated search, rescue, and fire suppression operations. Despite zero visibility inside the structure, firefighters quickly located the trapped occupant, removed him from the building, and transferred him to Gary Fire Department EMS personnel.

EMS personnel immediately began advanced life support measures and transported the victim to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus. The victim was later transferred to a regional burn center for specialized care.

“Our guys did their thing,” said Battalion Chief J. Kaurich. “That house was fully charged with heat and smoke, and visibility was zero. Crews moved quickly, located the victim, and brought him right on out while other firefighters kept the fire under control. Everyone handled their assignment, and I was proud of every firefighter and medic who responded.”

The fire was brought under control, and no firefighter injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Media Contact:
Kevin Benford
Public Information Officer
Gary Fire Department
(219) 616-8174
kbenford@gary.gov

‍