United States (Indiana) - Firefighters worked through the night battling flames at a strip mall at 4000 W. 106th Street, near Michigan Road. Several businesses in the strip mall caught fire including the El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant, Blockbuster Video, a wine store, and tanning shop. Flames shot through the roof, after 1:00 a.m. Tuesday, heavily damaging the strip mall. Eleven businesses were badly burned. It's unclear if lightning sparked the fire. But weather was a major factor for firefighters who were moving equipment in heavy downpours and during tornado warnings in that area. Fortunately, the warnings were lifted right away and crews finally gained the upper hand by 4 a.m.

On scene: Carmel Fire Department, Pike Fire Department, Indianapolis Fire Department.

Written and photos by Tod F. Parker

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