Indiana Depaartment of Homeland Fire Undetermined

Mindy J.
Heidel
275 Joliet Street
Dyer, IN 46311
Re: Certification of Records

Cause No: 45D03-1611-DR-00612
Greetings,
The undersigned, as Chief Investigator, Fire and Explosion Investigation Division, certifies that the
documents attached hereto are true and correct copies of the original documents contained in the files of
the office of the Fire and Building Safety Division and those records are kept in the course of the regularly
conducted business of the office. The records attached hereto are being produced in response to the
subpoena and request for production, which was submitted to our office.
19th day of _____________________,

Signed this _____ July 2019.
Sincerely,
Clayton T. Kinder
Chief Investigator
317.232.6435
[email protected]
Indiana State Fire Marshal (IN)
INCIDENT REPORT
Official Law Enforcement Report - Unauthorized Dissemination is Prohibited
Incident Type: Fire / Undetermined
Agency Incident ID: 2019-45-098 BATS ID: 1001196
Investigation Title: Wellwerts
Incident Date/Time/Location
Status Jurisdiction
Investigation Closed Assisting
Start Date/Time End Date/Time
3/2/2019 05:19 Saturday N/A
Address - N/A
8100 West 128th Avenue
City/State/Zip County
Cedar Lake, IN 46303 Lake County
Additional Directions
N/A
Investigator Information
Name Phone Email
Michael B Vogely 317-232-6435 [email protected]
Title Badge Number
Asst. Chief 97-4
Property Use or Target Information
Type Subtype Status
Residential 1 (Single Family) or 2 Family Occupied And Operating
Dwelling
Secondary Type Secondary Subtype
N/A N/A
Custom Agency Information
Custom Info 1 Custom Info 2 Custom Info 3 Custom Info 4 Custom Info 5
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
This report may not be disseminated outside your agency without permission from the originating Page: 1
agency.
Law Enforcement Sensitive
INCIDENT REPORT
Scene Details
Motivational Factors
Primary Motivation Primary Bias Group Involvements
N/A N/A
Collateral Crimes
Area of Origin/Device Placement

Area of Origin Area of Origin Subtype
Unknown Unknown
Fire Descriptors
Unknown
Damage and Casualties

Est. Damage Number of Fatalities Number of Injured
$350000.00 N/A N/A
Pre Incident Value Primary Gov't Association
N/A No Government Association
Miscellaneous Information
Other Agencies Involved External Case Number ATF Involved
CLFD, CLPD, ATF N/A N/A
Canine Alert Lab Report Number
Sky Conditions N/A N/A
Precipitation Wind Speed/Direction
Overcast Snow 7 MPH / N
Temperature Precipitation Amount Humidity
30F N/A 82%
Method of Entry
N/A
Latitude Longitude Investigator Right of Entry
41.386230 -87.432641 Search Warrant
Custom Agency Information (Scene Details)
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
Custom Info 1 Custom Info 2 Custom Info 3 Custom Info 4 Custom Info 5
No Smoke Detectors N/A N/A N/A N/A
Found
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
Person/Organization Information
Name Business Name
CONNOLLY, NOREEN N/A

DOB Race Ethnicity
N/A White N/A
Sex Age at time of Incident
F N/A
Juvenile SSN
No N/A
Relationship(s)
Discovering Party, Occupant, Owner

Other Name(s) Used:
N/A
Eye Color Hair Color Height Weight

N/A N/A N/A N/A
Scars Marks Tattoos Notes
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Address Information
Street Address
City/State/Zip County Country
Cedar Lake, IN 46303 Lake County N/A
N/A
Contact Information
Primary Phone Secondary Phone Email

N/A
Arrest Information
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
Arrest Status Date of Warrant Date of Arrest
N/A N/A N/A

Fingerprint Classification DNA Profile
N/A N/A
Comments
N/A
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
Name Business Name
WELLWERTS, ANDREW N/A

DOB Race Ethnicity
N/A White N/A
M N/A
Juvenile SSN
No N/A
Relationship(s)
Owner
Other Name(s) Used:
N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Arrest Information
N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A
Comments
N/A
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
Name Business Name
HUNLEY, JOHN N/A

DOB Race Ethnicity
11/25/1985 White Non-Hispanic
M 33
Juvenile SSN
No N/A
Relationship(s)
Interviewed Party, Witness

Other Name(s) Used:
N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Address Information
Street Address
N/A
Contact Information

219-374-7461 219-200-6807 N/A
Arrest Information
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A
Comments
N/A
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
Name Business Name
SAMPIAS, AUDRIANA N/A

DOB Race Ethnicity
N/A N/A N/A
F N/A
Juvenile SSN
No N/A
Relationship(s)
Witness
Other Name(s) Used:
N/A

N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Address Information
Street Address
N/A
Contact Information

219-374-7461 219-200-6807 N/A
Arrest Information
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
N/A N/A N/A

N/A N/A
Comments
N/A
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
Attachments
Filename Description Date

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Drawing1.jpg Diagram 3/29/2019
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INCIDENT REPORT
Narrative(s)
Title Author
Initial Michael Vogely
3172326435
[email protected]
Description
ORIGIN AND CAUSE NARRATIVE
SYNOPSIS
The initial fire scene examination of a residence located at 8100 W 128th Avenue in Cedar Lake, Lake
County, Indiana was conducted on March 4, 2019. The fire occurred on March 2, 2019 at approximately
05:19 hours. The request for this investigation was made by Chief Todd Wilkening of the Cedar Lake Fire
Department. The structure sustained severe fire damage and total collapse during the incident. Based on the
evidence gathered as a result of this initial investigation the area of fire origin is inside the residence. The
probable cause of the fire is unknown, and the cause of the fire is classified undetermined.
BACKGROUND
On March 2, 2019 at 05:19 hours the Cedar Lake Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire located at
8100 W 128th Avenue. They arrived on scene at 05:26 hours and the fire was under control approximately 1.5
hours after arrival. Fire Chief Todd Wilkening was the incident commander for this incident. Captain Matt
Conner was the first arriving fire unit and was the initial incident commander.
Upon arrival the structure was found with flames venting from a majority of the doors and windows of the
residence. The most flames appeared to be on the west and north sides. Due to the amount of flames present
no interior operations were able to be completed. Ultimately heavy equipment, a backhoe, was needed to
suppress the fire.
Information received by the fire department indicated that the female owner/occupant, Noreen Connolly had
been transported to St. Anthony’s hospital in Crown Point for treatment of smoke inhalation via a personal
vehicle. Assistant Chief/Investigator Nick Mager with the Cedar Lake Fire Department and Detective Carl
Brittingham with the Cedar Lake Police Department went to the hospital to obtain a consent for the fire scene
examination and retrieve a witness statement from Noreen.
Noreen signed a consent to search for Asst. Chief/Investigator Mager and Detective Brittingham. However
when asked what happened she refused to talk to them and stated that she wanted her lawyer present. They
then left the hospital and also obtained a search warrant for the scene examination.
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
Assistant Chief/Investigator Mager and Detective Brittingham stated to me that Noreen was going through a
divorce from an Andrew Wellwerts subject. They stated that is was an unpleasant divorce.
The initial 911 caller for this fire was reportedly a Michelle Ray which lived across the street at 8041 W 128th
Avenue. Her phone number was recorded as 708-508-0530.
WITNESS STATEMENTS
While on scene for the initial examination, Detective Brittingham said that a neighbor across the street, 8049
W 128th Avenue had witnessed the fire. Investigator Tom Roetering with Vergon and Associates was also on
scene conducting an initial examination of the structure for the insurance company. We then walked over to
the address and spoke with a John Hunley subject.
John stated that he and his girlfriend, Audriana Sampias, were at their house. He then heard someone yell fire
outside the house. He then came out of his house and saw the house across the street was on fire. He stated
that the fire appeared to be on the east side of the house in what he identified as the weight room. He said that
he could see flames through the window blinds. According to John the fire looked small and then grew fast.
John stated that while approaching the residences driveway the occupant of the house, Noreen, jumped out
from behind the car. He stated that she was naked, crying and screaming. He told us that Noreen then went
back in the entry door on the west side of the residence attempting to get her dog. John stated that when she
came back out the fire followed her out the entry door. According to John’s description it was a fireball that
followed her out the door.
Detective Brittingham also spoke with a Brett Arwood how resides at 8039 W 127th Lane. This house is
northeast of the involved building. Brett stated that when he came out of his house he saw flames that
appeared to be on the outside of the northeast area of the house. Brett’s statement then said that he heard
things breaking and screaming. He then broke a window (unsure where) and checked the doors but they were
locked. At this time Noreen was already outside the house and wrapped in a blanket from the neighbors.
Detective Brittingham also spoke with a Jennifer White subject that resides at 8027 W 127th Lane. This house
is also northeast of the involved residence. Jennifer stated to the detective that she heard screaming and came
out of her house. At that time Noreen was already out of the residence and at the neighbor’s house.
BUILDING SYSTEMS
The structure is a two-story site built house facing the southern direction. Building construction consists of
wood-frame construction over a partial basement and crawl space. The exterior walls are sheathed with vinyl
siding, and roof of the house is clad with asphalt shingles. The structure was supplied with electricity and
natural gas when the fire occurred.
The electrical service entrance was located along the west side of the structure. Examination of the main
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
feeds and meter base revealed no evidence of internal failures or areas of resistive heating. Damage resulting
from the incident was identified along the exterior of the service entrance resulting from direct flame
impingement, radiant heat, and fire gases. The meter had been removed prior to my arrival at the scene.
Examination of the natural gas meter along the south side of the structure revealed damage resulting from
building collapse, radiant heat, and fire gases. No evidence of internal failure was identified in the meter,
service valve or main fuel gas line providing service to the meter.
The compressor for the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) unit was located on the east side of
the residence in the debris. The compressor sustained damage resulting from the building collapse and minor
direct flame impingement on the top. No evidence was found indicated that this appliance was the cause of the
fire.
A furnace was identified in the basement debris near the center southern area. Visual examination of this
appliance revealed damage resulting from direct flame impingement, radiant heat and fire gases. No
determination was to be made due to the large amount of debris if an area of internal failure had existed in the
main fuel gas line, burners or fuel gas control valve prior to the ignition of the flames.
The visual examination of the natural gas water heater located in the center area of the basement, revealed
similar damage as the furnace. No determination could be made if an internal failure occurred with this
appliance prior to the fire due to being inaccessible during my examination.
No evidence was identified that a smoke detector had been installed inside the residence prior to the
incident. The audible alarm was not heard reportedly by the members of the suppression crews upon their
arrival.
Examination of the electric service panel along the west wall of the basement revealed damage resulting from
direct flame impingement, radiant heat, and fire gases. No determination could be made if an internal failure
or areas of resistive heating occurred in the service panel, main feeds providing service to the panel or the
structural wiring exiting it.
SCENE EXAMINATION
I arrived on scene at approximately 12:55 hours on March 4, 2019 to conduct the preliminary joint scene
examination with Investigator Tom Roetering from Vergon and Associates, which was contracted by
American Family Insurance to conduct an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire. I left the scene at
approximately 14:50 hours. Prior to conducting the examination a search warrant along with a consent to
search to search the property for the origin and cause of the fire was obtained. The scene was examined from
exterior to interior utilizing a systematic approach and accepted procedures and practices outlined in NFPA
921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations 2017 Edition. Photographs were taken throughout the scene
examination process.
The scene examination commenced with an examination of the exterior of the residence. The exterior of the
residence revealed total collapse of the structure. The entire interior was visible from the exterior. No walls
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
were identifiable and the roof over the structure was destroyed by the incident.
During my preliminary joint scene examination with Investigator Roetering it was decided that due to the
destruction of the incident heavy equipment would be needed to excavate the scene. Investigator Roetering
would contact the insurance adjuster and acquire the needed equipment for a more thorough examination of
the scene. The scene was then secured using portable chain link fencing for a future joint but parallel
examination.
The following personnel assisted with the preliminary fire scene examination: Fire Chief Todd Wilkening and
Asst. Chief/Investigator Nick Mager with the Cedar Lake Fire Department, Detective Carl Brittingham with
the Cedar Lake Police Department, and Investigator Tom Roetering with Vergon and Associates.
Assistant Chief/Investigator Nick Mager is the local fire investigator involved with this incident. The fire
department’s incident number is 19CLF0248.
Due to scheduling conflicts on the date of the joint scene examination I referred this case to Investigator Jeff
Roseboom with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security/State Fire Marshal’s Office Investigation
Division. Investigator Roseboom will attend the joint scene examination, and complete a written report on any
findings.
Michael B. Vogely IAAI-CFI

Asst. Chief
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Office of the State Fire Marshal
Investigation Division
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
Title Author
Origin & Cause Assist Jeffrey Roseboom
3172326435
[email protected]
Description
SCENE EXAMINATION
I arrived on scene at 8100 West 128th Avenue in Cedar Lake, Indiana Lake County on March 18th and 19th,
2019 to conduct a joint destructive scene examination. Prior to conducting the examination a search warrant
was obtained by the Detective Carl Brittingham from Cedar Lake Police Department. (The fire occurred on
March 02, 2019. A/C Mike Vogely IDHS/OSFM arrived on scene on Monday March 04, 2019 and took the
initial report). The scene was examined from exterior to interior utilizing a systematic approach and accepted
procedures and practices outlined in NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations 2017
Edition. Photographs were taken throughout the scene examination process, and a plan view sketch of the
structure was completed.
During the scene examination debris was removed by hand, Bob Cat skid steer loader and excavator. Debris
was removed from the exterior side and interior side of structure. Majority of appliances found during
extracting of debris was documented and revealed to be heavily damage by either fire and or collapsing of the
structure during the fire event. Majority of debris was also extracted from the basement of the structure.
CONCLUSION
Due to the amount of damage caused by the fire event and collapsing of the structure, an area of origin could
not be determined and cause of fire could not be determined. The cause of the fire is classified as
undetermined.
List of members assisting with joint scene examination.

Nick Mager - Cedar Lake Fire Department
Carl Brittingham – Cedar Lake Police Department
Tom Rotering – Vergon & Associates
Mike Vergon – Vergon & Associates
Ben Mills - SEH Ltd
Juan Ramirez – Robinette Demo
Fernando Valder – Robinette Demo
Marco Ceballes – Robinette Demo
Joe Hoffman – Hoffman Adjustment.
This report is based upon presently known and available facts, data, and information. Should additional or
different facts, data, or information be discovered, this investigator and the Indiana Department of Homeland
Security Office of the State Fire Marshal reserves the right to change, alter, or amend this report to reflect the
new facts, data, or information.
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
Jeffrey Roseboom
Investigator
Indiana Department of Homeland Security
Office of the State Fire Marshal
Fire and Explosion Investigation Division
As classified by the National Fire Protection Association 921: Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations,
2017 Edition, the causes of fires are classified as accidental, natural, incendiary, or undetermined. This is
separate from the fire cause.
Fire Cause
The circumstances, conditions, or agencies that bring together a fuel, ignition source, and oxidizer (such as air
or oxygen) resulting in a fire or a combustion explosion.
Classification of the Cause
Determining the cause of a fire and classifying the cause of the fire are two separate processes that should not
be confused with each other. Classification of a fire cause may be used for assignment of responsibility,
reporting purposes, or compilation of statistics. Different jurisdictions may have alternative definitions that
should be applied as required. The cause of a fire may be classified as accidental, natural, incendiary, or
undetermined. Use of the term “suspicious” is not an accurate description for the classification of a fire
cause. Suspicion refers to a level of proof, or level of certainty, and is not a classification for a fire cause.
Suspicion is not an acceptable level of proof for making a determination of cause within the scope of this
guide and should be avoided. Fires in which the level of certainty is possible or suspected, or in which there is
only suspicion of that cause, should be classified as undetermined.
Accidental Fire Cause
Accidental fires involve all those for which the proven cause does not involve an intentional human act to
ignite or spread fire into an area where the fire should not be. When the intent of the person’s action cannot
be determined or proven to an acceptable level of certainty, the correct classification is undetermined. In most
cases, this classification will be clear, but some deliberately ignited fires can still be accidental. For example,
in a legal setting, a trash fire might be spread by a sudden gust of wind. The spread of fire was accidental
even though the initial fire was deliberate.
Natural Fire Cause
Natural fire causes involve fires caused without direct human intervention or action, such as fires resulting
from lightning, earthquake, wind, and flood.
Incendiary Fire Cause
An incendiary fire is a fire that is deliberately set with the intent to cause a fire to occur in an area where the
agency.
INCIDENT REPORT
fire should not be.
Undetermined Fire Cause
Whenever the cause cannot be proven to an acceptable level of certainty, the proper classification is
undetermined.
(A) Undetermined fire causes include those fires that have not yet been investigated or those that have been
investigated, or are under investigation, and have insufficient information to classify further. However, the
fire might still be under investigation and the cause may be determined later with the introduction or discovery
of new information.
(B) In the instance in which the investigator fails to identify the ignition source, the fire need not always be
classified as undetermined. For example, if the evidence established one factor, such as the use of an
accelerant, that evidence may be sufficient to establish an incendiary fire cause classification even where other
factors, such as ignition source, cannot be identified.
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Mindy J.

Re: Certification of Records

19th day of _____________________,

Area of Origin/Device Placement

Damage and Casualties

Custom Agency Information (Scene Details)

Name Business Name

CONNOLLY, NOREEN N/A

Discovering Party, Occupant, Owner

Eye Color Hair Color Height Weight

Primary Phone Secondary Phone Email

Arrest Status Date of Warrant Date of Arrest

N/A N/A N/A

Name Business Name

WELLWERTS, ANDREW N/A

Eye Color Hair Color Height Weight

Arrest Status Date of Warrant Date of Arrest

N/A N/A N/A

Name Business Name

HUNLEY, JOHN N/A

Interviewed Party, Witness

Eye Color Hair Color Height Weight

Primary Phone Secondary Phone Email

Arrest Status Date of Warrant Date of Arrest

N/A N/A N/A

Name Business Name

SAMPIAS, AUDRIANA N/A

Eye Color Hair Color Height Weight

Primary Phone Secondary Phone Email

Arrest Status Date of Warrant Date of Arrest

N/A N/A N/A

Filename Description Date

Drawing1.jpg Diagram 3/29/2019

ORIGIN AND CAUSE NARRATIVE

Michael B. Vogely IAAI-CFI

List of members assisting with joint scene examination.

Classification of the Cause

Accidental Fire Cause

Natural Fire Cause

Incendiary Fire Cause

fire should not be.

Undetermined Fire Cause

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