'Everything was stacked against us': Firefighters battle blaze for hours at Merrillville complex

MERRILLVILLE, Ind. - Several people are displaced after a massive blaze at an apartment complex in Merrillville. 

The fire occurred around 2 p.m. Saturday in the 100 block of E. 54th Avenue. 

Firefighters evacuated the complex, which has 24 units, and one person suffered smoke inhalation. 

The fire began in the wall of the building and the flames spread quickly through a void space due to gusty winds, officials say.

The town of Merrillville released a statement Sunday saying the fire appears to have started in the basement laundry room. 

Firefighters battle blaze amid below-freezing temperatures and heavy wind gusts.

There was also a limited water supply for fire crews, posing challenging conditions. 

"Everything was stacked against us," said Merrillville Fire Dept. Chief Ed Yerga. 

Fire crews were on the scene for more than six hours.

"The strong west wind really affected our operations, and it helped spread the fire quickly," Yerga said.

Yerga said the official investigation of the fire will be delayed a few days due to ice and water in the basement.

The Merrillville Fire Dept. received assistance from surrounding fire departments to put out the fire. 

Several residents are displaced, but an exact number has not been provided. They are being assisted by the Red Cross. 

Merrillville’s Dean and Barbara White Community Center was opened to displaced residents following the blaze.

This is a developing story and we'll bring more information as it becomes available.