Arson Ruled in Fire at Vacant House in Duluth

Gwinnett County fire investigators have ruled arson as the cause for a vacant house fire Wednesday (Oct. 19) in Duluth, according to Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge.

Firefighters responded at 11:59 a.m. to a report from a neighbor of smoke pouring from the house in the 2300 block of Edge Court NW in Duluth. Crews found flames showing from the roof over the garage of the single-story wood frame house and heavy smoke on arrival. The blaze was quickly brought under control by firefighters, but it caused significant damage to the structure. “There were no utilities to the home and no other reason for a fire to have started,” Rutledge said.

This was second fire at the home, which has been vacant for the past five to six months. The property owner visited the house Oct. 17 and discovered that someone had forced entry through the back door and attempted to set a fire that apparently did not spread from the initial point of origin before going out, Rutledge reported. The evidence of a burn pattern was found on the floor of the home. It is unknown as to when this particular act of unlawful entry and attempted arson actually occurred. “People in the neighborhood are asked to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police,” Rutledge said.      

Fire investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Gwinnett Fire Arson & Explosives Investigation 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.