The Indiana State Fire Marshal's Office is assisting in the investigation into a fatal fire in Washington, IN on Feb. 17, 2023.
The fire occurred in a former tavern known as The Hideaway. It recently had been converted into an apartment. Two adults and a young child were able to escape apartments on the second level after being alerted by smoke alarms and the smell of smoke. Firefighters found a female victim in a main-level apartment and took her to the hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
The victim has been identified as 45-year-old Brandee Mumma. The preliminary cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation.
The fire originated within the apartment on the main level. The cause remains under investigation at this time.
The Washington Fire Department, Washington Township Fire Department, Vincennes Fire Department, Daviess County Coroner's Office, Washington Police Department and the State Fire Marshal's Office were involved in the response.
This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information about the fire is encouraged to call the Indiana Arson Hotline at 1-800-382-4628. Callers are not required to provide their name.