Franklin fire officials report major Compass Park apartment fire; multi‑trade investigation set

Assistant Fire Chief Preston told the Franklin Fire Merit Commission that a serious fire damaged a nearly completed building at the Compass Park (Youngs Creek) complex, formerly the Indiana Masonic Home. Preston said Franklin crews fought the blaze alongside mutual‑aid partners and that no new equipment purchases are planned at this time.

Preston said the building was under new construction when it burned and that the department coordinated with several other county fire departments. "It was a big fire and took out that building that was almost completed," Preston said. He added the department will defer most investigative work to specialists: "They're gonna do the big investigation next week starting on Monday because they have to have all the trades representatives there along with all the insurance."

Commissioners commended crews for coordinating mutual aid and for the response. Preston described staffing swaps during the incident and reported that investigators will lead the follow-up; he said department leaders will "pop in and out" of the investigation while leaving it primarily to investigators.

The commission was told the investigation is not yet complete and is expected to begin formally next week. No cause, loss estimate or injuries were provided during the meeting. The department said the investigation will include trade representatives and insurers and will be handled by investigators rather than front‑line crews. The commission adjourned after a short operational update.