911 Calls Reporting Fake Fires Made By Same Man, Police Say

INDIANAPOLIS -- One man is responsible for a string of alarming 911 calls leading firefighters to nonexistence blazes, police said.

Since June, 911 operators have recorded at least four separate calls from the same man, each reporting fires at homes in the 3400 block of North Baltimore.

In one call, the man claims to be driving by a home on fire, in another he says it's his home and that his children are inside, 6News' Jack Rinehart reported.

"I need the fire department at 2731 N. Baltimore, fast. My house is on fire and my son is in there and my baby is in there," the man tells an operator in one call. "They cannot get out and I can't get back in. The whole front of my house is on fire."

In each case, Fire Station 22 has responded in full force, dispatching at least six fire trucks for each call. Firefighters who work there say it's a high-stress situation that can turn dangerous.

"It puts all of us in danger and all the people that are on the street driving are in danger. So, it's a bad situation for everybody," said Capt. Mike Fagan.

Others said it's clear that the caller is the one who needs some help.

"Actually, I kind of feel sorry for them, that they need to do that on a daily basis or they have nothing better to do," said Pvt. Steve Ross. "They're putting people at risk."

Indianapolis police said they are actively pursuing the case.

"It's very disturbing and it's not good. We need to find out who this individual is so it can cease immediately," said Indianapolis police Lt. Jeffery Duhamell.

False reporting is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Anyone with information is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS.