Fire At Cherokee County Probation Office Ruled Arson

CANTON, GA -- Investigators with the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's Office have determined an early morning fire at the state Department of Community Supervision probation office in Canton to be arson.

The fire was reported around 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 4 at 100 Medical Lane, and was caused by a Molotov cocktail "being thrown through a window," the office said. The fire heavily damaged the front lobby area of the office and caused more than $10,000 in damage. No injuries were reported.

Jay Florence, deputy insurance commissioner, said the office has been closed and there is no time frame as to when it will reopen. A note on the door informs visitors to contact their respective probation officer by phone in order to schedule appointments.

He also said the state is working to get information out in the public in order to get the case solved quickly.

"We don’t have a lot of leads right now," he said. "It's just too early for that."

State Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is asking the public to come forward with information that could help solve the arson. Anyone with any information about this fire is asked to call the office at 1‐800‐282‐5804. Calls are taken 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and callers can remain anonymous. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered through the Georgia Arson Control Board for information that leads to the arrest and conviction those responsible for the fire.

The Canton Police Department is assisting with the investigation, the state said.

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Image via Georgia Insurance Commissioner's Office