Fire Prevention

Fire Investigations

The Fire Prevention Division is responsible for investigating fires that occur in the City of Richmond and two mile fringe. Our Division investigates all fires including suspicious fires and explosions to determine the origin and cause.

Certified investigators conduct all phases of the fire investigation including interviewing witnesses, evidence collection, background investigations, appearing in court and assisting other public safety and private agencies. They also are required to attend a minimum number of educational schools and seminars to keep current on all-new investigation techniques and skills.

Nationally, arson and suspected arson is the leading cause of property damage exceeding $2 billion annually. Arson is the second leading cause of residential fire deaths and accounts for approximately 25 percent of all fires in the United States. National statistics show that 52 percent of arson fires occur in structures, 26 percent in vehicles and 22 percent in other categories. Juveniles account for 55 percent of all arson arrests.

Many times children begin playing with fire by the age of three. The age of accountability for juvenile fire setters is seven. The Division provides children and juveniles with assistance that has problems with fire playing and fire setting.

Anyone with information on suspicious fires may call the Richmond Fire Department at (765) 983-7266. In cooperation with the Indiana Arson an Crime Association, the ARSON HOT LINE (1-800-382-4628) is stationed in the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Anyone with any information on leads to arson activity and alleged arsonists may leave information and a phone number.