INDIANAPOLIS — Firefighters in Indianapolis responded to more than 1,600 incidents and received more than 2,100 calls to dispatch from 8 p.m. Friday through 10 p.m. Monday as protests, some of which turned violent over the weekend, engulfed Indianapolis.
According to a report from the Indianapolis Fire Department, a total of 18 structure fires, 15 dumpster fires, two vehicle fires and numerous trash fires were reported during that time frame. All of the fires have been ruled arson.
A joint Indy area Fire Investigator Task Force is working with business owners to help process events that took place on their property over the weekend. Investigators went to locations where arson fires occurred during the unrest. The task force includes investigators from the Indianapolis Fire Department, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, State Fire Marshal's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Accelerant detection dog Ariel also joined in to help.
"While the IFD continues to work closely with the community and other public safety agencies to support peaceful demonstrations, the unfortunate actions of some led to a busy weekend for firefighters and investigators," IFD Battalion Chief Rita Reith said.
The investigation continues at multiple scenes as fire investigators collect physical and photographic evidence and conduct interviews where appropriate. The fire department is asking anyone with security cameras to review the footage from the weekend to see if additional information may be made available.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.
