State Fire Investigators Thank Public for Helping Find Criminals

arsonThe Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Indiana State Fire Marshal welcome the public’s help in providing information related to fire investigations throughout the state.

May 1-7 is Arson Awareness Week in Indiana, and Indiana Department of Homeland Security is reminding all Hoosiers that any additional information from citizens can help expedite cases for investigations.

Citizens are reminded to always be aware if they see a fire in their area.

Should a fire start nearby, those in the area should keep a safe distance and call 911.

If someone is seen fleeing from the area where the fire has occurred, take note of the person’s appearance and pass this information on to the authorities.

Indiana Department of Homeland Security took part in 549 fire investigations last year, 164 of which were determined to be intentionally-set fires.

As a result, 41 suspects were arrested in connection to these fires.

So far, investigators have assisted with 208 investigations in 2016 where fires were determined to be intentionally-set, and 10 arrests have been made.