A significant fire broke out Tuesday afternoon at an apartment complex under construction in South Bend, Indiana, prompting evacuations of nearby properties and a large emergency response.

The blaze began around 4 p.m. local time, quickly consuming a large portion of the structure located in the 1200 block of Northside Boulevard. Thick, black smoke was visible for miles, blanketing the northern Indiana city.

Firefighters from multiple departments responded to the scene, battling the intense flames that appeared to engulf multiple floors of the unfinished building. The cause of the fire is not immediately known. Officials confirmed that the building was unoccupied at the time the fire started, as it was still under construction. However, residents in adjacent buildings were asked to evacuate as a precautionary measure due to the smoke and the potential spread of the fire.

The incident led to significant traffic disruptions in the area as emergency vehicles converged on the scene. Authorities advised the public to avoid the vicinity of Northside Boulevard to allow first responders unimpeded access. The extent of the damage to the apartment complex is still being assessed, but initial reports suggest it is substantial.

Fire officials are expected to launch an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire once it is fully extinguished. The complexity of the structure and the intensity of the flames presented significant challenges for firefighters. The rapid spread of the fire may be attributed to the presence of construction materials within the building.

This fire comes as the city continues to develop new housing options. The affected complex was intended to provide additional residential units to the South Bend area. The loss of the structure, if deemed a total loss, could impact local housing development timelines.

Further updates are expected as the situation develops and the investigation progresses. The immediate focus remains on ensuring the fire is completely out and the area is safe for residents to return.