A family member has been arrested and charged with arson, first degree for a fire he allegedly caused at his family’s home on Seminole Drive. 

According to Hinesville Fire Department Public Information Officer, Alex Mason, Christopher Guillermo Pereya has been charged with arson in the fire which heavily damaged his family’s home March 5, in the 1500 block of Seminole Drive.

The family was able to exit the home, according to police who arrived within minutes after the call went out over the air. It was reported that the owner entered the heavy smoke filled home to rescue his dog who was locked inside of a cage.   

No injuries were reported. 

Pereya 22, was arrested at a local McDonald’s without incident when he was spotted by HFD Fire Marshall, Jerry Heath.  

Mason said he couldn’t elaborate on all the details of the active investigation but said that Pereya was not at the home when firefighters arrived to battle the blaze that destroyed an extension to the home and the main living area. Mason said Pereya became a person of interest and upon questioning was charged with first degree arson.  

No further details were released at this time by Mason.

Pereya is currently housed at the Liberty County Jail in Hinesville awaiting a first appearance in magistrate court.  

In an unrelated case a Long County Woman lost her home in a second fire March 3. According to Long/Ludowici Volunteer Fire and Rescue Captain Nicolas Maxwell, the fire destroyed the mobile home of a single occupant in the 1400 block of Tommie Hines Road NE in the unincorporated area of Ling County. The fire happened shortly after 11:30 a.m.

Maxwell said when firefighters arrived the rear half of the home was fully engulfed in flames. Maxwell said it took roughly 7 minutes to bring the fire under control.

According to Maxwell it is not known how the fire started and is currently under investigation.  The woman was not home at the time of the fire and Maxwell said they are waiting for her to arrive for Red Cross assistance.