State officials investigating Jackson County house fire

State fire officials are seeking the public's help to determine the cause of a blaze that destroyed a Commerce home.

The fire on the 100 block of Laura Lane started at about 3 a.m. Tuesday, noted a press release issued Thursday by the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.

Flames gutted the one-story home built about 12 years ago, officials said. When firefighters arrived on the scene, much of the home already had collapsed into a basement.

The occupants of the home were out of town at the time of the fire.

Though fire investigators had not ruled the blaze as an arson as of Thursday, they are seeking more information.

Anyone with knowledge of the fire should call the Arson Hotline at 1-800-282-5804. Callers can remain anonymous.

Anyone providing information that leads to an arson arrest can receive an award of up to $10,000, noted officials.

Also investigating the fire are the Commerce fire and police departments.

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