By Timothy Bradfield
Correspondent
LaFAYETTE, Ga. — At least five abandoned houses in LaFayette have been damaged or destroyed by arson this year, city officials say.
“We’ve had a problem with arsons dating back several years in abandoned houses. But it’s just really got bad this year,” Public Safety Director Tommy Freeman said.
Mr. Freeman said all the fires occurred between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Most were in the northwest part of the city, with two on West Indiana Street. Investigators have found evidence that a flammable liquid was used to start two fires, he said.
A woman who has lived on that street 40 years said the fires have made her uncomfortable.
“The least little noise, I’m very sensitive to it right now,” said the woman, who asked not to be named. “The least little noise, I’m awake and looking around, turning the lights on, too.”
Officials say they’re still looking for a suspect.
It’s too early in the investigation to say whether the same person torched all the houses, Mr. Freeman said.
“Could be a pyromaniac, for whatever gratification he gets out of seeing things burn. We don’t know that yet,” Mr. Freeman said. “Right now the motive is undetermined.”
The state fire marshal’s office is assisting with the investigation.
“We’re the specialists,” Georgia Insurance and Fire Commissioner John Oxendine said.
The fire marshal’s office provides resources such as K-9 units, he said. But even with all the tools of the trade, Mr. Oxendine said, investigators still need the public’s help.
“We have a reward of up to $10,000” for information leading to an arrest and conviction in the arsons, the commissioner said.
HOW TO HELPAnyone with information about the arsons is asked to call the LaFayette Police Department at 706-639-1540 or the arson hot line at 800-282-5804
None of the cases is nearing a resolution, according to the fire marshal’s office.
Mr. Freeman says he hopes the crimes will be solved sooner rather than later.
“If you go by what they’ve done in the past, it could be a clear indication of the future. They’ve burned them in the past, so they may burn vacant residences in the future,” he said.
Timothy Bradfield covers Walker County. Contact him at timothyb2010@gmail.com.