NORTH VERNON — Two suspicious fires in North Vernon which occurred within 12 hours of each other are being investigated as possible arson.
Firefighters were sent to a house fire at 10 Noon Drive in North Vernon at 4:45 a.m. Saturday, North Vernon police said.
Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire begin investigating the cause. During the investigation officers and firefighters observed evidence which turned the
initial investigation to an arson investigation. The home was unoccupied and not lived in at the time of the fire. Other evidence and vandalism in the home indicate that the fire was
intentionally set
Less than 12 hours later and about a block away, at approximately 4:11 p.m. Saturday, officers and firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at 555 Brownstown Road.
When arriving, it was observed that a ground apartment facing Brownstown Road was filled with black smoke which was moving throughout the building and out of windows. All occupants of the apartment building were evacuated without any report of injuries.
Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and remove smoke from the apartment building.
Evidence inside the apartment, and statements of neighbors turned the initial investigation into an arson investigation, police said It was determined that the apartment was unoccupied prior to officer and firefighters arriving on scene. No injuries or other medical issues were reported throughout both incidents and investigations.
Similarities were observed in both locations, however information obtained from both
indicate the possibility that the two fires are not connected. At this time, both investigations are ongoing and being investigated by the Indiana State Fire Marshall’s Office and the North Vernon Fire Department. All possibilities are being considered in both cases.
Anyone with any information is highly encouraged to report it to the following agencies:
North Vernon Police Department
Indiana State Fire Marshall’s Office
North Vernon Fire Department
All tips and information can be reported anonymously.
