Arsonist sets fire to multiple South Fulton buildings, police say
Search for arsonist who set fires in multiple South Fulton buildings
The multiple building fires in the 5600 block of Mason Road that occurred on June 30, 2022, have been ruled arsons. Now, state and local officials want to find the person responsible even offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment.
SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - Investigators are searching for an arsonist believed to be connected to three fires in a single night in South Fulton.
The South Fulton Fire Rescue Department and the State of Georgia Fire Marshal’s Office said the fires happened on June 30 at three buildings that were near each other on the 5600 block of Mason Road. FOX 5 was on scene as firefighters battled several fires in a neighborhood.
Crews were working a vacant house fire when they saw flames coming from the Orange Petite Academy next door.
South Fulton Fire investigators now believe it was arson and they are asking for the public's help to catch whoever's responsible.
"We did enlist the assistance of the state of Georgia Fire Marshal's Office. They did bring out one of their K9 accelerant dogs," Lt. Eric Jackson told FOX 5's Deidra Dukes.
South Fulton firefighters battle two fire at abandoned buildings along Mason Road on June 30, 2022. (South Fulton Fire Rescue)
Lt. Jackson said someone also set a nearby construction trailer and a tent on fire.
Dozens of South Fulton firefighters worked through the night and into the morning to try and stop the fires from spreading into the woods or reaching nearby residences.
City of South Fulton Fire officials are now working with the Georgia Fire Marshal's office to catch the arsonist.
"We are encouraging people who may have been in the area, maybe driving up and down the street, may have video be it on their house or phone if they have information that would help us, we certainly appreciate hearing from them," said Jackson.
Jimmy Lee Orange purchased his property in August 2002 with dreams of building a school on the site.
"My vision was to have an after-school academy with an after-school program," Orange said.
(City South Fulton Fire Rescue Department)
Brick by brick he had worked to realize that dream, building from the ground up, and had hoped to open his school this year.
"It was like a child died," Orange said.
The building, which was still under construction, was reduced to rubble. The academy's future is now uncertain.
"All those years that I've put all into it, all of a sudden like this happen, is pretty rough on me right now," said Orange.
Investigators are asking anyone who knows anything that could identify the person or persons responsible for the fires to contact Georgia Arson Control at 1-800-282-5804.
Officials are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the arson.