Mayor Sharon McShurley has agreed to ask the federal government for enough money to rehire 25 of 32 firefighters laid off last year.

Complete story at: The Star Press

The Muncie Fire Department on Saturday had its first ever "wetdown ceremony" for two brand new fire trucks known as Quints, multi-purpose apparatus serving both engine and ladder functions.

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A man died early today in an apartment fire that remains under investigation.

Muncie firefighters got a call around 6:33 a.m. about an apartment fire in Creekside Apartments, 3101 N. Elgin St.

Neighbors reported smoke in a building hallway, and they also could see flames.

 Firefighters found the body of a man who might have died from smoke inhalation in the apartment. Fire crews remained on the scene after 8 a.m.

The city's new deputy fire chief Larry Delk is described by his boss as someone who goes full speed at whatever he does and gets the job done.

Mayor Sharon McShurley, who laid off 32 firefighters this summer, decided this week that Burcham needed a deputy, a position that had been vacant for the last two years.

McShurley said the department's financial circumstances dictated a demand for in-depth planning and prioritizing, which will be among Delk's duties.

And the department recently lost a ranking administrative officer, Battalion Chief Dan Ivy, who was called to active duty with the U.S. Army for the next 40 months.

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Fire trucks were called to Storer Elementary School around 8 a.m. today after an alarm went off the kitchen area.

After letting students and teachers were allowed into the building, everyone was sent outside again when the system continued to show a fire alarm going off, and firefighters were still checking shortly before 8:30 a.m.

Source: The Star Press

City firefighters battled a blaze late Wednesday morning at the Dollar General Store in White River Plaza.

No one was injured in the fire, but police officer Robert Wells was hit by a car while directing traffic at Nichols and White River, and was taken to Ball Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police are investigating the accident.

The fire, quickly brought under control, was reported about 11 a.m. Witnesses said they saw smoke pouring from the roof over the store.

The store appeared to have smoke and water damage.

Jerry Bowden, battalion chief with the Muncie Fire Department, said heavy black smoke was pouring from the roof when fire trucks arrived. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Nearby Amber's Beauty School was evacuated and will remain closed today, officials said.

Property owner David Robertson said it was the first significant fire at White River Plaza — former site of a Val's Department Store and Ross Supermarket — in 20 years.

Source: The Star Press