State Police Investigate String Of Barn Fires In Northern Indiana

ELKHART, IN — Police are asking for the public's help as they investigate a string of fires that have destroyed at least eight barns in the past year, officials in the northern Indiana county said Monday.

The most recent fires occurred last week when two flames about one mile apart destroyed two barns in the southern part of Elkhart County. For the largely farming community, the barns are a huge loss for the owners' livelihoods, according to a police spokesman at a press conference.

Elkhart County Sheriff officials are asking anyone who lives near one or more of the eight crime scenes to check their home security cameras and review footage to see if they find anything suspicious. The Indiana State Fire Marshal's Office is aiding in reviewing footage.

Authorities did not say what could be considered suspicious behavior, but said residents should not hesitate to report anything out of the ordinary.