VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) - The first three months of this year, Valdosta Fire Department (VFD) has only worked nine more fires compared to last year. While most have been ruled as accidental in nature, there is one case ruled suspicious.

On Tuesday, March 18, over thirty fire firefighters responded to a fire on Toombs Street and determined that the home had been vacant. This raised questions as to how or why a fire broke out.

One neighbor said, “Those folks are potentially harming others, and they should not. That’s taking firemen to run down and put out fires that should not be happening.”

VFD has five fire investigators that are able to determine whether the fire is natural, accidental or suspicious — which includes arson or fraud.

VFD Chief Brian Boutwell said, “We also partner with the state, and we have their accelerated detection canines come in and also assist with the fire investigation.”

Georgia Arson Control also offers a $10,000 reward for information that helps in their investigation.

“We take that very serious and we intend on prosecuting anyone that is determined to be charged with arson and found guilty of that crime,” he said.

VFD is now using social media to give immediate updates on all fire responses.

Boutwell said, “Our goal is to continue to be aggressive and professional. Not only in prevention, but hazard mitigation, and of course, in the criminal investigation when it comes to arson.”

If you have any information in the investigation of the Toombs Street fire call, Georgia Arson Control at 1-800-282-5804.

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