Atlanta, Ga. (CBS46) — Morrow officials are offering a reward of up to $10,000 to anyone who reports a fire that destroyed three historic homes Saturday at “The District,” a city-owned community space.
Officials told CBS46 News that the fire started around midnight and investigators believe the fire started in one house and quickly spread to two other homes nearby. Investigators believe a group of people were in the house before the fire broke out at 8:45 p.m. Friday.
Clayton County Fire Department employees were also called in to help control the fire for several hours, but they could not save all three buildings.
Moro Fire Chief Roger Swint has requested the assistance of the State Fire Marshal’s investigative unit, including the use of Excellent Detection Canine Teams, to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Chief Swint said, “The location and intensity of the fire are suspicious, and early indications suggest that the fire was the result of arson or set of fire by a person or persons.” “The City of Morrow’s fire marshal will lead the investigation with state officials.”
The Moro Police Department is also assisting with criminal investigations; Detectives say they have early clues suggesting more than one person’s interest.
“Unfortunately, the district has been a frequent target of vandalism, even as new tenants begin moving to the site,” said Morrow Interim Police Chief David Snively. “Our detectives have successfully identified several previous perpetrators, including an arson attempt; And we will work tirelessly with the fire investigators to find out the exact events surrounding this incident as well,” the Chief said secretly.
“Two buildings in the district were under contract, and the architectural plans” Two are being reviewed for others, even as new requests for commercial space are being processed by the city,” said Morrow City Manager Jeff Baker. “It is a devastating blow as we have begun to turn the corner and fill in the long-vacant in the district; and it is a particularly tragic loss of history, which includes Napier-Small House. , which is a typical example of Greek-Revival architecture built in 1846 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Anyone who saw persons or vehicles in or around the district during that time is asked to contact the Morro Police Department at 770-941-4006 or Georgia Arson Control 1.,800-282-5804. Tips can be anonymous, and a reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
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