Arson To Blame For Wednesday Morning Fire In Gwinnett

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Gwinnett County fire investigators say a fire that burned a house in Lawrenceville Wednesday morning was set intentionally.

Investigators were still working Tuesday afternoon to establish a motive for the arson, in the 1100 block of Kibbe Circle, and asking the public to share any information they may have about the fire.

"This blaze was a bold act, that could have placed a number of people in extreme danger," said Gwinnett Fire & Emergency Services Capt. Tommy Rutledge.

The fire happened at about 6:30 a.m. A neighbor called 911 after seeing smoke and flames pouring from the house. Neighbors initially tried to douse the fire with a garden hose and knocked to alert anyone inside, but got no answer.

Firefighters arrived to find the right side of the home and part of the attic in flames. Crews attacked the flames and forced their way into the home, where the rescued the family's dog.

The dog required oxygen from medical workers, but was eventually fine and returned to its owners — who were not home at the time of the fire.

Two adults and three children were displaced due to extensive damage to the home.

According to investigators, the fire started in several different places and spread quickly. They believe some sort of accelerant, like gasoline, was used to get the fire going.

Specific information about how the fire was set is not being released due to the ongoing investigation, Rutledge said.

Arson is a felony, punishable by 1-20 years imprisonment and fines.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact Gwinnett Fire's investigations section at 678-518-4890 or the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804. Georgia Arson Control offers a reward up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for setting a fire.

Photo courtesy Gwinnett Fire & Emergency Services