Fires in Paulding County that destroyed five homes, damaged 14 others and injured one person early Sunday started as the result of arson, officials said.

Authorities are investigating what caused fires in Paulding County that destroyed five homes and damaged 14 others.
icon to expand image

A person of interest is in custody on charges unrelated to the fires on Rosemont Court in Hiram, said Glenn Allen, spokesman for the state insurance and safety fire commissioner's office.

The identity of that woman will be released when she is formally charged with arson, he said.

The initial fire started about 3:25 a.m. in the kitchen and dining room of one home in the Greystone Subdivision before spreading to others, according to Allen.

Multiple families were displaced as a result of the fires, Paulding County fire spokesman Lt. Steve Mapes said.

“Representatives from the Red Cross established a disaster operation at the neighborhood community center,” Mapes said.

The status of the injured person was unknown.

In other news:

A new study reveals common cleaning sprays could be harmful to your lungs. Women who cleaned as little as once a week had an accelerated lung decline risk. For women, using cleaning products for 20 years is equivalent to smoking 20 cigarettes a day. Men who cleaned did not see the same decline as women who cleaned. Scientists said cleaning chemicals irritate the mucous membranes that line the airways. Researchers suggests looking for products that are labeled "allergy friendly."

About the Author

Keep Reading

The SNAP program provided benefits to about 13% of Georgia’s population, 1.4 million people, during the 2024 fiscal year. (Associated Press)

Credit: Sipa USA via AP

Featured

Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC