14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-Arsons investigators looking to boost resources

Arsons investigators looking to boost resources

By Laura Forbes - bio | email | Twitter
Posted by Noah Stubbs - email

POSEY CO., IN (WFIE) - There has been a rash of arsons in Posey County with many fires, many investigations and few resources to try and solve them.

Two weeks ago, a Wadesville woman escaped her burning home in the middle of the night.

"I took my boyfriend's cowboy boot and busted out the window and climbed out the window," victim Barbara Quinn said. 

That fire was later ruled an arson.

Turns out, it's wasn't an isolated incident.

Another Wadesville home burned down just a few days earlier.

It was also ruled an arson.

Authorities say it is becoming a more and more common problem.

"Five to ten arson fires in recent years," Posey County Sherriff Folz said. "I'd say two or three a year is all we would normally see in the past. So it has gone up significantly."

Folz says revenge and drug deals gone bad are often the suspected motives.

Lately, the economy has played a role.

"Homes are lit on fire by assailants trying to pay for their house because they've lost their job," Folz said. 

The state fire marshal's office is investigating, but he says they often need assistance from local law enforcement.

The sheriff's office, however, doesn't have staff specifically trained to investigate arsons.

If the problem continues, Folz will likely push for that to change.

"If I can get county council to give up a few more dollars," Folz said. "I believe we will have our investigator trained in arson fires."

In the meantime, they'll continue to work with fire investigators, and do the best with what they have.

Sheriff Folz is looking into what training courses are available and how much they cost.

He says he'll approach the county council about the issue soon.

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