Cook County house fire deemed arson, reward offered

Feb. 28--ADEL -- According to Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph Hudgens, investigators with his office's Fire Unit have ruled that a weekend house fire in Cook County was, in fact, an arson incident. A reward of up to $10,000 is available for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist.

"The fire, which Sunday around 11 a.m., at 215 East 10th Street in Adel, originated in the living room area of the home," the office of commissioner of insurance's press release said. "Investigators determined that available materials were used to start the blaze. The fire was reported by the homeowners, who discovered the blaze after returning to the residence after an out-of-town trip."

Both the Adel Police Department and the Adel Fire Department were listed by Hudgens' office as agencies assisting with the investigation, but officials with APD were unavailable for comment Wednesday. Adel Fire Chief Jimmy Walker said only, "The insurance and safety fire commissioner's office is investigating that case. Contact them."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the state's Arson Hotline at 1-800-282-5804.

"Rewards of up to $10,000 are given for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an arsonist," the ISFC press release said. "Calls are taken 24 hours per day; callers can choose to remain anonymous."

___

(c)2018 The Albany Herald, Ga.

Visit The Albany Herald, Ga. at www.albanyherald.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.