Cumming fairgrounds fire ruled arson

CUMMING - Authorities say the fire last week at the fairgrounds in Cumming that destroyed a 1943 cotton gin was deliberately set.

However, investigators do not know how the blaze began and they do not have a motive. They say they've been told that several people were seen leaving the area where the fire appears to have started.

The blaze occurred last Thursday on the first day of the 10-day Cumming Country Fair & Festival, but there were no injuries among the 1,000-or-so people who were on the grounds at the time. Investigators say more than 20,000 pounds of cotton fueled the fire.

The loss has been put at about one million dollars and a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and a conviction in the case.