Police searching for missing woman after house fire

Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 3:53 PM

By Paul Gable

Local authorities are searching for a missing Bainbridge woman after a fire Wednesday evening.

According to Putnam County Sheriff Jarrod Baugh, a 911 call was received in regards to a structure fire at 6243 E. Co Rd. 600 N. Bainbridge, IN.

When first responders arrived, they found smoke billowing out of the residence. A check of the home found nobody inside the residence.

An investigation revealed the home owner, Britney Gard, 46, Bainbridge, was missing. All attempts to contact Gard have been unsuccessful, according to Baugh. Gard has been entered with other agencies as a missing endangered person by the Putnam County Sheriff Office due to her unknown whereabouts.

"The fire is of unknown cause and currently being investigated by authorities," Baugh told The Putnam County Post.

Gard is described as a white female, 46 years old, standing 5-foot-9-inches, 140 pounds and long black hair. She was last seen or spoken to at 9:24 p.m. on Sept. 30.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is requested to notify our 911 dispatch at 765-653-5115, extension zero.