Gainesville house fire was arson; reward offered

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville Fire Marshal Chad Payne has determined that arson is the cause of the house fire that occurred Sunday on Lenox Park Drive.

Payne said during the initial investigation all reasonable causes were ruled out and a reward is now being offered.

"The investigation is still very active but investigators need your help," he said Thursday. "If anyone has any information or saw anything suspicious in the area of Lenox Park Drive on Saturday, September 24 or Sunday, September 25 they are encouraged to contact the Gainesville Fire Department at 770-534-3612 or the Georgia Arson Hotline toll free at 1-800-282-5804."

Payne added "A reward up to $10,000 may be paid for information resulting in the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for planning or committing arson in the state of Georgia."