State Fire Marshal Investigators assisted in 577 investigations in 2017

Two of those investigations occured in Elkhart County.

“Our investigators play an integral role in helping to strengthen public fire safety around the state,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson. “They work continuously to quickly respond to the needs of local fire departments throughout Indiana.”

IDHS investigators assist with fire investigations upon request from local departments by offering additional expertise and staffing.

Here are a few facts about 2017 fire cases that IDHS assisted with:

• Investigators assisted in an average of 48 investigations per month.

• Investigations peaked in February 2017 with 57 during that month.

• The initial estimated damage total in IDHS-investigated cases was approximately $47 million.

In many cases, there was no evidence of a working smoke alarm. IDHS encourages all Hoosiers to properly install and maintain smoke alarms throughout their home.