A local man is in custody after flames engulfed a Pizza Hut in DeKalb County, causing early morning chaos but thankfully resulting in no injuries. DeKalb County Fire and Rescue teams were dispatched to the 2700 block of Evans Mill Road around 4:30 a.m. where the fire was reported, according to FOX 5.
The fiery scene was met by crews who witnessed the back of the Pizza Hut with flames breaking through the roof. Officials claim the fire was raging above the kitchen area, and the swift actions of fire crews led to the blaze being doused in under an hour. During the effort to combat the flames, a man was spotted running from the scene. After being stopped by firefighters, he admitted to setting the fire, as reported by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Despite the early morning traffic disruption, with Evans Mill Road being temporarily closed, the roadway has since been reopened. The identity of the man in custody has not been disclosed pending the ongoing investigation into the incident. No charges have been publicly stated at this time.
Arson investigators are now diligently working to piece together the sequence of events that led to the destructive fire. According to Battalion Chief Kimani Heath, in the aftermath of the containment, police "saw one man right in front of the structure," and "they detained him and he admitted to setting the blaze," as he told FOX 5. Further details surrounding the investigation are kept on hold as authorities continue their inquiry.
