Arson: Investigators Believe Townhouse Fire in Snellville Was Intentionally Set

Gwinnett Fire investigators say a small Tuesday night blaze at a Snellville townhouse was an act of arson.

The fire, which was quickly extinguished, was reported around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6 in the 2200 block of Highpoint Road.

“According to fire investigators, evidence at the scene indicates that the fire was intentionally set,” Gwinnett Fire Lt. Colin Rhoden said in an emailed statement Thursday morning. “Investigators are not releasing specific information about the evidence due to the ongoing investigation.”

Firefighters quickly put out a small fire in the front room of the townhouse. The blaze caused moderate damage in the room, and sent smoke throughout the unit. No one was home at the time.

Rhoden said a similar fire, which also was considered suspicious, was reported at the same location by police in September 2013.

“The fire department is now looking into both fires and believes them to be connected based on the circumstances,” Rhoden stated. “The occupant of the townhome told fire investigators that she was not aware of anyone who would want to harm her or cause damage to her property.”

If you have information about the fire, contact the Gwinnett County Fire Investigations Section at 678-518-4890 or the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804.  Georgia Arson Control, Inc. offers a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for arson. Arson is a felony crime and is punishable by 1 to 20 years behind bars.