Arson Suspected in Fire at Norcross Townhome

NORCROSS, GA — Fire investigators say arson is to blame for a fire earlier this week in the garage of a townhome in Norcross.

Firefighters responded at 11:33 p.m. Monday to an occupant's report of a fire on the 3100 block of Smith Ridge Trace NW in Norcross.

They found smoke and flames coming from the unit's garage and quickly attacked the blaze, while making sure that no one was inside.

The unit's occupants had been asleep at the time of the fire, but woke up to the sound of their garage door opening.

They went downstairs to investigate and discovered the fire, according to Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services.

They escaped unharmed and no one was injured in the fire.

The fire destroyed a vehicle that was parked in the garage and caused extensive cosmetic heat damage to a second vehicle that was parked in the driveway.

According to investigators, there was previous damage to the unit's garage door. It is believed someone entered the garage via an opening caused by the damage and intentionally set fire to contents inside.

More specifics about the fire area not being released because of the ongoing investigation.

Investigators are asking anyone with information in the case to contact the Gwinnett Fire 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 an arrest and conviction in an arson case. All tips may be made anonymously.

Arson is a felony crime and is punishable by one to 20 years imprisonment and fines.

File image courtesy Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services