Reward offered in local arson case

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information that could lead to the arrest of an arsonist who attempted to burn down two newly constructed and unoccupied Lumpkin County homes last Monday afternoon.
The fires were set just after 1 p.m. on November 7 at a new subdivision at Pine Corner Drive near the outskirts of Murrayville.
“Both residences received damage to the outside walls in what have been determined to be intentionally set fires,” stated Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King.
The damage to the homes, which are now for sale and on the market, has reportedly since been repaired.
But now authorities are searching for the suspect that set the fire.
“At the request of Lumpkin County Fire Chief David [Wimpy], we dispatched arson investigators to assist with this case,” stated King.
Photos taken by investigators showed similar attempts to set a fire beneath the windows at the back wall.
One home suffered minimal damage with only a small scorch mark on the vinyl siding.
The damage was more extensive to the other home as a portion of the back wall caught fire, exposing the wood frame.
“The other house had a little more damage because it was probably the first one set,” said Fire Commissioner official Bryce Rawson when talking to The Nugget.
Wimpy said that firefighters responded to the scene and the blaze was contained quickly.
“The houses had minor damage,” he said. “As far as I know they’ve already got it fixed, so it worked out good. Nobody was hurt and the houses weren’t hurt bad.”
Meanwhile, officials from the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office are teaming up with state investigators to find the suspect, or suspects, responsible.
“As per normal protocol the sheriff’s office has an investigation alongside the state fire commissioners office to determine any offenders that could be involved,” said Lt. Alan Roach of the LCSO.
Last Thursday, following the initial investigation, a release was sent out from the state asking for help identifying the culprit and announcing the reward.
“In coordination with the State Fire Investigations Unit, a reward of up to $10,000 is offered by Georgia Arson Control for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for arson,” stated a commissioner’s office release.
Anyone with information about the arson attempts is encouraged to call the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-252-5804.