The southeast side of downtown Newnan has been the site arson fires at 10 vacant homes since October. The city of Newnan has posted a $5,000 reward in an effort to help nab
whoever is responsible. The fires are all similar in nature.
Newnan Public Information Officer Gina Snider said the fire department is asking for the public’s help in finding the person or persons responsible for setting at least 10 arson fires in the concentrated area of the city since October. The Newnan City Council is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case, Snider said.
“I appreciate the City Council for offering this reward for the arrest/conviction of the person/persons involved in the Pinson Street arson case. I encourage anyone in the community to come forward no matter how insignificant it may seem,” said Newnan Fire Chief David Whitley. “Anyone that comes forward with information can remain anonymous.”
Snider said the fires have been set in the area of Savannah Street and Pinson Street just southeast of downtown Newnan.
Snider said the latest fire occurred on Birch Ave. The fire was set in a construction dumpster located at the rear of an unoccupied home, she said. The fires are being set at a rate of at least one per month.
The targeted houses have all been vacant, and the fires are generally occurring in the nighttime hours, Snider added.
No one has been injured as a result of the fires. Each of the fires was investigated and determined to be arson, said Snider, adding that the fires were all set in a similar manner.
“There are a lot of elderly people that live in that area,” said Newnan Police Detective Chad Wood.
Newnan Fire Marshal Ricky Ayers suggested that neighbors in that area be extra vigilant and consider forming a neighborhood watch.
“It’s just a matter of time before somebody gets hurt. We need help from the community,” said Ayers. “If you see something that doesn’t look right, especially around vacant homes, call 911.”
Anyone with information or who may have noticed something suspicious around the time of one of the arson fires is urged to contact Det. Chad Wood at 770-254-2355, Ext. 116 or Fire Marshal Ayers at 770-253-6730.
Callers can also leave at tip with the Newnan Police Department’s anonymous tip line at 770-254-2350.
