Gwinnett County authorities now believe that a Wednesday afternoon house fire in Sugar Hill was ignited intentionally.
Two men renting the property were displaced by the fire on Parkview Mine Drive, which was reported by a neighbor at 3:42 p.m. Wednesday.
Gwinnett County Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said in an update Friday evening that investigators have determined that "someone forced entry through the exterior basement door" of the residence and knowingly sparked a fire inside.
Rutledge said the residents have been interviewed by investigators, who are now "trying to determine a motive in the case and identify the person(s) responsible."
He noted that arson carries with it a felony charge and could potentially result in a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Anyone with relevant information in the case is asked to contact Gwinnett County fire investigators at (678) 518-4890. Tipsters can also contact the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1 (800) 282-5804.
Although no injuries were reported, Rutledge said the fire caused moderate damage throughout the basement, and left residual smoke throughout the rest of the two-story home.
The displaced residents are being assisted by the Red Cross.
You can read the original coverage of the story here.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2016/7/425823/fire-officials-say-arson-caused-blaze-in-sugar-hill