Fire at Helen hotel may be arson

HELEN - A fire at a Helen hotel early Wednesday was intentionally set, according to the state arson investigator.

White County Fire Department spokeswoman Ana Newberry said the blaze at Alpine River Suites on Edelweiss Strasse in Helen caused moderate fire damage to one unit and moderate smoke damage to three additional units.

Newberry said upon arrival of the first fire units, a light but steady stream of black smoke was showing from the building. She said no one was inside the structure when firefighters arrived.

A preliminary survey of the nature of the fire indicated the fire was intentionally set, according to State Arson Investigator Brian Smith.

Smith said anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804. He said a reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for arson.