Meth makers ignite fire

MUNCIE – A methamphetamine lab started a fire Saturday at a local motel.

The fire started in room five of the Budget Motel, 821 E. 29th St. Emergency personnel responded around 10:50 p.m. and quickly discovered items associated with manufacturing meth, according to Robert Mead, chief investigator with the Muncie Fire Department.

"The cause of the fire was (due to) a chemical reaction between items used to make methamphetamine," he said.

No one was injured because of the fire, he said, noting that the alleged meth makers had fled the scene before officials arrived.

Members of the Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Unit were called in to investigate the fire. Senior Trooper Kyle West said items usually used to make meth were located both inside and outside the motel room.

As of Monday, no arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the fire are encouraged to call Trooper West at the ISP Penedleton Post: (765) 778-2121.

Contact news reporter Rachel Pyle (765) 213-5845. Follow her on Twitter @RachelPyleTSP.