Gwinnett house fire that put family in 'extreme danger' ruled arson
Gwinnett County fire investigators now believe a recent house fire that put a family in "extreme danger" was intentionally set.
The fire broke out at a home on the 2400 block of Rockwood Way near Stone Mountain just after 5:30 a.m. on July 28. Heavy flames and smoke sent occupants "scrambling for safety," Capt. Tommy Rutledge said in a news release.
The residents escaped unharmed but the fire caused heavy damage -- and investigators have ruled it arson, the fire department announced Tuesday.
"Whoever set fire to the home knew there were occupants inside," Rutledge said. "This was a bold and senseless act that placed multiple people in extreme danger."
Investigators believe the burned home was the intended target, Rutledge said, but few other details have been released.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the fire department at 678-518-4890. Tipsters can also remain anonymous — and be eligible for rewards of up to $10,000 — by calling the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804.
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Tyler Estep hosts the AJC Win Column, Atlanta's new weekly destination for all things sports. He also shepherds the Sports Daily and Braves Report newsletters to your inbox.
