Jasper County, IN – A 13-year-old boy was found safe Friday afternoon after a reported structure fire southeast of Wheatfield prompted an urgent search by law enforcement and fire crews.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers received a 911 call at approximately 3:05 p.m. Friday reporting a house fire in the area. Initial reports indicated the family’s 13-year-old son may still have been inside the residence, possibly in the basement. The juvenile is a participant in the Project Lifesaver program, which assists in locating missing individuals with cognitive or developmental challenges.
Using Project Lifesaver tracking equipment, deputies with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Indiana State Police Conservation K-9 Unit, conducted a search of the surrounding area. Authorities successfully located the juvenile in a wooded area near the residence. Officials confirmed he was found unharmed.
The Wheatfield Fire Department responded to extinguish the fire and was assisted by the Keener Fire Department, San Pierre Fire Department, Rensselaer Fire Department, and the Jasper County Emergency Management Agency.
One firefighter from the Keener Fire Department sustained smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene. Additionally, eight other firefighters were removed from operations due to elevated heart rates and blood pressure. Wheatfield Fire Chief Mark Rattiff said those conditions are common when firefighters make multiple entries into an actively burning structure.
Investigators later determined the juvenile intentionally set the fire, according to authorities. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
The incident occurred in Jasper County, located in northwest Indiana, south of Rensselaer and within the greater Chicago metro region’s extended area.
Residents with additional information are encouraged to contact local authorities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
