Video Changes Course of Evansville House Fire Investigation
A weekend house fire in Evansville that investigators initially believed was accidental is now being investigated as arson, and an Evansville woman has been arrested.
Fire Breaks Out Sunday Evening
According to the Evansville Fire Department, dispatchers received a report of a porch fire at a downtown home in the 1400 block of SE Second Street around 6:45 p.m. Sunday.
When firefighters arrived, they found heavy black smoke and flames coming from the residence. Crews immediately began attacking the fire and searching the home, bringing the fire under control in approximately 40 minutes.
Two civilians suffered minor burn injuries in the fire. No firefighters were injured.
Two adults and one juvenile were displaced from the home. According to EFD, assistance from the American Red Cross was not requested.
Investigators Initially Believed the Fire Was Accidental
Following the initial investigation and interviews with witnesses, investigators believed the fire had started accidentally.
According to the fire department, investigators later obtained and reviewed additional video footage that led them to change their determination of the fire's cause. The department now says the fire is no longer considered accidental.
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Evansville Woman Arrested
An arrest warrant was subsequently issued for 46-year-old Evansville resident Natalia Fulkerson, who has since been taken into custody in connection with the fire.
According to the Evansville Fire Department, Fulkerson has been charged with Arson on a Dwelling, a Level 4 felony; Arson Resulting in Bodily Injury, a Level 3 felony; and two counts of Criminal Recklessness, both Level 6 felonies.
EFD says Fulkerson is being held in the Vanderburgh County Jail on a $20,000 bond.
