A pre-Christmas fire that damaged a home in Hinesville is thought to have been intentionally set, according to local investigators and Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John Oxendine’s office.
The fire occurred at about 11:50 p.m. on Dec. 21 at 14 Elm St., causing an estimated loss of $50,000. No injuries were reported.
“This is still an open investigation,” said Lt. Chris Moss with the Hinesville Fire Department. Moss is collaborating with a detective from the Hinesville Police Department and with a state fire marshal on the case.
Moss said he and his colleagues have ruled out natural causes and electrical problems as possible causes for the structure fire.
“We have some evidence that it was arson. We’re still following the leads that we’ve got,” he said.
Oxendine, who’s office announced the finding Tuesday, is asking anyone with information about the fire to call his Arson Hotline at 1-800-282-5804. Rewards of up to $10,000 are given for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an arsonist. Calls are taken 24 hours a day; callers can choose to remain anonymous.
Another announcement from state and local fire safety officials warns residents to be cautious when heating with space heaters.
The fire occurred at about 11:50 p.m. on Dec. 21 at 14 Elm St., causing an estimated loss of $50,000. No injuries were reported.
“This is still an open investigation,” said Lt. Chris Moss with the Hinesville Fire Department. Moss is collaborating with a detective from the Hinesville Police Department and with a state fire marshal on the case.
Moss said he and his colleagues have ruled out natural causes and electrical problems as possible causes for the structure fire.
“We have some evidence that it was arson. We’re still following the leads that we’ve got,” he said.
Oxendine, who’s office announced the finding Tuesday, is asking anyone with information about the fire to call his Arson Hotline at 1-800-282-5804. Rewards of up to $10,000 are given for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an arsonist. Calls are taken 24 hours a day; callers can choose to remain anonymous.
Another announcement from state and local fire safety officials warns residents to be cautious when heating with space heaters.