Indianapolis – The Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) announced that one out of every four fires investigated this year has been ruled arson. According to IFD Fire Investigations Unit Commander Matt Bussard, the department has identified 108 arson fires to date, with 64 of those occurring at vacant residences.
Arson figures raise concerns for neighborhoods
“That’s a significant number. That’s a quarter of all the fires in Indianapolis,” Bussard said, emphasizing the impact on both property owners and nearby residents. The high proportion of arson cases underscores the need for heightened vigilance and community cooperation in fire‑prevention efforts.
One recent incident illustrates the danger. Early Monday morning, a vacant house at 230 North Walcott Street was deliberately set ablaze, causing damage to three neighboring homes. Two of those homes were occupied, and a resident suffered a medical issue after inhaling smoke.
Investigation details
Bussard explained that investigators spent several days at the scene due to the fire’s complexity and the extent of the damage. “Over the course of that, we determined that this was an intentional arson fire, so we started down that path looking for suspects,” he said.
Authorities are now seeking video footage or eyewitness accounts from the time of the blaze. However, Bussard noted the area lacks many surveillance cameras, and few people were outside when the fire began.
“Luckily, one neighbor was out. He came out, took his trash out around 1:15. Didn’t see or smell anything. Twenty minutes later, he smelled smoke inside his house, comes out, and this house is on fire,” Bussard recounted.
No evidence of a serial arsonist, but public help needed
While the IFD has not found evidence of a serial arsonist targeting vacant homes across the city, Bussard cautioned that investigators remain alert. “As far as a true serial arsonist running around setting different fires around the city to get rid of these vacant houses, we haven’t had any evidence of that,” he said.
He appealed to the public for assistance, noting the limited camera coverage and low foot traffic in some neighborhoods during early morning hours. “There’s not a lot of cameras around there. There’s not a lot of people out at one in the morning,” Bussard said. “Even a small detail could help investigators identify whoever started the fire.”
What residents can do
IFD encourages anyone who may have seen suspicious activity, heard unusual noises, or captured video near vacant properties to contact the fire department’s investigative unit. Prompt tips can be crucial in preventing further arson incidents and protecting both vacant and occupied homes.
Community members are also urged to report any abandoned structures to city officials, as well‑maintained properties are less likely to become targets for criminal activity. By working together, residents and the fire department aim to reduce the arson rate and keep Indianapolis neighborhoods safe.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
