Arson suspected in North Vernon residential fires

North Vernon police say that two weekend fires are being investigated as arsons.

The first fire, at about 4:45 a.m. Saturday morning was on Noon Drive in an unoccupied home. After firefighters extinguished the blaze and began investigating the source of the blaze they discovered evidence and vandalism of the home indicating the fire was intentionally set.

About a block away at about 4:11 p.m. that afternoon, another fire was reported in an unoccupied ground floor apartment in the 500 block of Brownstown Road. Black smoke was moving through the building from fire and all the residents were evacuated without any injuries. Witnesses and evidence at the scene led authorities to suspect arson at that fire also.

Despite the close locations and similarities between the two fires, authorities say they have also received information that the two arsons may not be related.

The North Vernon Fire Department and Indiana State Fire Marshall’s Office are investigation. If you have any information, you asked to contact either agency or the North Vernon Police Department. Tips and information can be left anonymously.